Popular Kinds of Daisies
Daisies of all kinds have been popular flowers used in bouquets and flower arrangements since the Middle Ages. The delicate petals come in a variety of colors and sizes, providing gardeners with many choices. The traditional daisy is white with a yellow center, but why not choose a less conventional variety to provide a punch to your flower arrangements? While there are many, many options to choose from, this article covers the varieties that are most popular with gardeners.
Gerbera daisies produce stunning petals in a variety of colors. The large blossoms bloom on solid stems, meaning you can stand them up to the tallest flowers in a vase and they will not get lost in the shuffle. The Gloriosa daisy, also known as a Black-eyed Susan, has bright yellow petals surrounding a deep brown center. The center of the Black-eyed Susan makes the flower distinctive due to its raised, button-like appearance. These daisies look stunning in arrangements of wildflowers.
The African daisy produces flowers in white, yellow or orange around a deeply colored center. Some varieties of African daisy can produce white-and-blue flowers. The center of an African daisy is less pronounced than the center of a Black-eyed Susan. If you're a traditional gardener, stick with the pretty Shasta daisy. The creamy white petals surrounding a yellow center will give you the delicacy you're looking for. For a bushier daisy, consider the Swan River daisy, which produces tangles of blossoms on heavy branches.
All varieties of daisy prefer a sunny location and well-drained soil. Choose a location you feel comfortable devoting to daisies for a long period of time, as daisies do not like to be moved or disturbed once they have been planted. Provide a high-phosphorus fertilizer to encourage the plants to generate large blooms. Add water during dry periods or when the flowers appear to be wilting.
