Gazania
Gazania rigensCharacteristics | |
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Category | Ground Cover |
Size | 12" x 12" |
Flower Color | Red, Orange, Bright Yellow, and Bronzy Yellow |
Flower Season | Spring |
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Description
The gazania has a compact, mounding growth habit and produces beautiful flowers and dark blue or green dandelion-like leaves that grow one foot high and wide. In spring, large, daisy-like blooms appear that come in a variety of colors: red, orange, bright yellow, and bronzy yellow. The flowers attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. There are many different hybrids available. The flowers close at night and reopen during the day. This plant blooms prolifically in spring and again in fall. While beautiful, this short-lived species should be replanted every few years. All parts of the plant are poisonous if ingested. Plant this groundcover in full sun or in an area that gets some late afternoon shade. It is drought-resistant but likes supplemental irrigation during the hot weather. Do not over-water it, since it could lead to root rot. Let the plant dry out between irrigation cycles. It will freeze in the low twenties Fahrenheit, but recovers if pruned heavily to the ground. The gazania prefers sandy to average, well-draining soils. Do not plant it in areas heavily infested with rabbits, since they love this plant. Protect new plants with chicken wire. Apply light applications of ammonium phosphate fertilizer in the spring and late summer to encourage growth and blooms. Use it as a mass planting for color in containers and rock and perennial gardens, and as a border plant. This groundcover is great as a soil stabilizer for erosion control. It is native to South Africa.