Gazania
( gaz - ZAY - nee - uh )
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At-A-Glance InformationThis genus of perennial and annual flowering plants, commonly called African Daisy, needs moderate to regular water. Sun exposure needs vary by species. They are native to South Africa, and are low, spreading plants. They are great for coastal conditions and can also tolerate some heat. These plants produce large, daisy-like flowerheads in bright shades of yellow and orange over a long period during the summertime. These plants are often used as a drought-tolerant groundcover.
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Gazania Species and Varietals
The genus Gazania is a member of the plant family Asteraceae and includes about 18 species. The best growing species for Gazania vary depending on the species. For more information, see the following descriptions. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.
Gazania hybrids
These plants are best when grown in zones 8-24, H1 and H2 as perennial plants. In cooler climates, they will need overwintering via cuttings brought indoors. Their peak blooming season is mid-spring to early summer, when they will produce profuse flowers. They will bloom intermittently throughout the rest of the year. These species require full sun, and have varying habits. Clumping types form an evergreen mound foliage that is green on top and fuzzy grey underneath. Stems reach 6-10 inches tall and flowers come in yellow, orange, white, and rose-pink. Petal undersides are maroon. Flowers are often dark-centered. Use these clumping species for edging along pathways, in masse in parking strips, and in rock gardens. Trailing varieties are rapid spreaders, and have silver-grey foliage. Flowers come in yellow, white, orange, and bronze. These varieties are useful on top of walls, where their stems can beautifully spill over. They are also great for hanging baskets, as well as bank or groundcovers.
These plants are best when grown in zones 8-24, H1 and H2 as perennial plants. In cooler climates, they will need overwintering via cuttings brought indoors. Their peak blooming season is mid-spring to early summer, when they will produce profuse flowers. They will bloom intermittently throughout the rest of the year. These species require full sun, and have varying habits. Clumping types form an evergreen mound foliage that is green on top and fuzzy grey underneath. Stems reach 6-10 inches tall and flowers come in yellow, orange, white, and rose-pink. Petal undersides are maroon. Flowers are often dark-centered. Use these clumping species for edging along pathways, in masse in parking strips, and in rock gardens. Trailing varieties are rapid spreaders, and have silver-grey foliage. Flowers come in yellow, white, orange, and bronze. These varieties are useful on top of walls, where their stems can beautifully spill over. They are also great for hanging baskets, as well as bank or groundcovers.
'Aztec Queen'
Multicolored |
'Burgundy'
Best in small-scale plantings. |
'Copper King'
Best in small-scale plantings. |
'Fiesta Red'
Great for larger-scale groundcover purposes. |
'Christopher Lloyd'
Pink flowers with yellow centers surrounded by a ring of bright green. |
'Moonglow'
Double-flower variety with bright yellow blooms that remain open regardless of environmental conditions. |
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Gazania krebsiana This species grows best in zones 3 and 7-24. Grows to 6 inches tall and 1 foot wide. Leaves are dark green on top and silver underneath. in cold weather, foliage will tint purple. Flowers are orange-red with central disks of orange or dark yellow The base of each petal is black and green with a single white spot. Blooms spring through fall. Reseeds freely. Likes to be in full sun. |
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Gazania linearis (Treasureflower) This species grows best in zones 2-9 and 14-19 and is a hardy perennial for cold winter areas. Gets to 4 inches tall and 15 inches wide. Leaves are strap-like and dark green on top, wooly white underneath. Flowers are bright yellow and it can take full sun or partial shade. Reseeds freely. Variety 'Colorado Gold' is a great garden selection. |
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Gazania maratima This species is native to South Africa, and has a spreading habit. Leaves are pinnate or whole, and flower heads are typically yellow. Ray undersides are striped with darker colors. |
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Gazania pectinata (Cockscomb Gazania) This annual (sometimes perennial) species is native to low-lying regions and coastal plains in the Western Cape Province of South Africa. Flowers are yellow to orange and are typically black or brown-spotted. Leaves are long and slender, with smooth upper surfaces and lower smooth surfaces. |
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Gazania rigens (Gazania splendens) (Treasure Flower, Coastal Gazania) This species is native to coast southern Africa, and is cultivated worldwide as an ornamental garden plant. It has a spreading, low-growing habit, reaching 20 inches tall when mature. Foliage is blue-grey and flowers are yellow. |
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Gazania rigida (Karoo Gazania) These plants produce flowers that range in color from yellow to reddish-orange, and have brown to black patches of color at petal bases. Leaf undersides are hairy. Plants reach about 8-10 inches tall when mature. |
Caring for Gazania
Not picky about soil
Propagation
Problems and Pests
Gallery
Camellias are great candidates to be grown as container plants on your patio.
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A field of thea sinensis
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Camellia hiemalis 'Shishi Gashira'
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Videos
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A video all about growing camellias successfully
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Propagating camellias
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Resources
The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Page 334, Gazania
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