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Gazania rigens

Image of Gazania rigens

Forest & Kim Starr

Family

Asteraceae

Botanical Name

Gazania rigens

Plant Common Name

Treasure Flower

General Description

The colorful, gem-like daisies of this small, evergreen tender perennial are what inspired the common name, treasure flower. Commonly grown as a bedding annual, this South African native has been heavily cultivated for garden use. It will tolerate drought but grows best in areas where temperatures are mild and not scorching hot.

Compact, basal clumps of evergreen leaves persist through winter. These are elongated, lobed and green to gray-green. Perennial clumps will spread over time. Throughout the growing season intricate, colorful daisies arise from short, leafless stems. These morning blooms commonly have distinct patterned rings of different colors including yellow, orange, green, white, brown or black. Wild forms are typically golden orange with black rings and centers. Bees pollinate the blooms and heads of fuzzy white seeds follow.

Gazania rigens prefers cooler summer temperatures and full sun. Provide with average, well-drained garden soil for best growth and flowering. Remove spent blooms to encourage more. Plant these lovely daisies along the edges of mixed borders, in containers or rock gardens. The trailing habit of the variety leucolaena makes it ideal for hanging baskets. Some notable cultivars include selections in the Gazoo Series, which come in almost pure colors, and the floriferous and colorful, Kiss Series.

Characteristics

  • AHS Heat Zone

    10 - 8

  • USDA Hardiness Zone

    8 - 11

  • Sunset Zone

    H1, H2, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24

  • Plant Type

    Tender Perennial

  • Sun Exposure

    Full Sun, Partial Sun

  • Height

    8"-10" / 20.3cm - 25.4cm

  • Width

    10"-12" / 25.4cm - 30.5cm

  • Bloom Time

    Early Summer, Summer, Late Summer, Early Fall, Fall, Indeterminate

  • Native To

    Southern Africa, South Africa

Growing Conditions

  • Soil pH

    Neutral, Alkaline

  • Soil Drainage

    Well Drained

  • Soil type

    Loam, Sand

  • Tolerances

    Pollution, Salt

  • Growth Rate

    Fast

  • Water Requirements

    Drought Tolerant, Average Water

  • Habit

    Rosette/Stemless

  • Seasonal Interest

    Summer, Fall

Ornamental Features

  • Flower Interest

    Showy

  • Flower Color

    White, Yellow, Green, Orange, Gold, Brown, Black

  • Flower Color Modifier

    Bicolor

  • Foliage Color (Spring)

    Green, Gray Green

  • Foliage Color (Summer)

    Green, Gray Green

  • Foliage Color (Fall)

    Green, Gray Green

  • Foliage Color (Winter)

    Green, Gray Green

  • Fragrant Flowers

    Yes

  • Fragrant Fruit

    No

  • Fragrant Foliage

    No

  • Bark or Stem Fragrant

    No

  • Flower Petal Number

    Single

  • Repeat Bloomer

    Yes

  • Showy Fruit

    No

  • Edible Fruit

    No

  • Showy Foliage

    No

  • Foliage Texture

    Medium

  • Foliage Sheen

    Matte

  • Evergreen

    Yes

  • Showy Bark

    No

Special Characteristics

  • Usage

    Bedding Plant, Container, Edging, Groundcover, Hanging Basket, Mixed Border, Rock Garden / Wall

  • Sharp or Has Thorns

    No

  • Invasive

    No

  • Attracts

    Butterflies

  • Self-Sowing

    Yes