Cultivation: Bellis Perennis Is A Common
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priyankaCultivation: Bellis Perennis Is A Common
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priyankaBellis perennis is a common European species of daisy, of the Asteraceae family, often considered the
archetypal species of that name.
Many related plants also share the name "daisy", so to distinguish this species from other daisies it is
sometimes qualified as common daisy, lawn daisy or English daisy. Historically, it has also been commonly
known as bruisewort and occasionally woundwort (although the common name woundwort is now more
closely associated with Stachys). Bellis perennis is native to western, central and northern Europe, but
Daisies, Bellis perennis
It is a perennial herbaceous plant with short creeping rhizomes and rosettes of small rounded or spoon-shaped
leaves that are from 3/4 to 2 inches (approx. 2–5 cm) long and grow flat to the ground. The species habitually
colonises lawns, and is difficult to eradicate by mowing – hence the term 'lawn daisy'. Wherever it appears it is
often considered an invasive weed.[4]
The flowerheads are composite, in the form of a pseudanthium, consisting of many sessile flowers about 3/4 to
1-1/4 in (approx. 2–3 cm) in diameter, with white ray florets (often tipped red) and yellow disc florets. Each
inflorescence is borne on single leafless stems 3/4 – 4 in (approx. 2–10 cm), rarely 6 in (approx. 15 cm) tall.
The capitulum, or disc of florets, is surrounded by two rows of green bracts known as "phyllaries".[5]The
achenes are without pappus.[6]
Bellis perennis
Cultivation[edit]
Bellis perennis generally blooms from early to midsummer, although when grown under ideal conditions, it has
a very long flowering season and will even produce a few flowers in the middle of mild winters. [7][8]
It can generally be grown in USDA Zones 4 – 8 (i.e. where minimum temperatures are above −30 °F (−34 °C))
in full sun to partial shade conditions, and requires low or no maintenance. It has no known serious insect or
disease problems and can generally be grown in most well-drained soils. The plant may be propagated either
by seed after the last frost, or by division after flowering.[7][9]
Though invasive, the species is still considered a valuable ground cover in certain garden settings (e.g., as part
of English or cottage inspired gardens, as well as spring meadows where low growth and some color is desired
in parallel with minimal care and maintenance while helping to crowd out noxious weeds once established and
naturalised).
Numerous single- and double-flowered varieties are in cultivation, producing flat or spherical blooms in a range
of sizes (1 cm to 6 cm) and colours (red, pink & white). They are generally grown
from seed as biennial bedding plants. They can also be purchased as plugs in Spring. The cultivar 'Tasso
series' has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.[10]
It has been reported to be mostly self-fertilizing, but some plants may be self-sterile.[11]
Etymology[edit]
Well-trodden meadow at Kew Gardens, the grass white with daisies
Bellis may come from bellus, Latin for "pretty", and perennis is Latin for "everlasting".
The name "daisy" is considered a corruption of "day's eye",[12] because the whole head closes at night and
opens in the morning. Chaucercalled it "eye of the day". In Medieval times, Bellis perennis or the English Daisy
was commonly known as "Mary's Rose".[13] It is also known as bone flower.[14]
The English Daisy is also considered to be a flower of children and innocence.[15]
