Brachyscome multifida (cut-leaved daisy)

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Brachyscome spp.

swan river daisy

Asteraceae Australia

Attracts Pollinators Attracts Butterflies Drought Tolerant Container Friendly

SunFull Sun – Part Shade

WaterLow · drought-tolerant

HardinessZones 8–11

Overview

Brachyscome spp. (also spelled Brachycome spp.) is a genus of around 70 species of daisies in the family Asteraceae, native mainly to Australia with a few species in New Zealand and New Guinea. It includes both annuals, such as the Swan River daisy B. iberidifolia, and spreading or mounding perennials, such as the cut-leaf daisy B. multifida. Plants are low and bushy, 4 to 18 inches (10 to 45 cm) tall and 8 to 24 inches (20 to 60 cm) wide, with leaves that range from finely divided and ferny to narrow and lobed. The daisy flowerheads are 0.5 to 1.5 inches (12 to 38 mm) across, with ray florets in blue, mauve, pink, white, or yellow surrounding a yellow central disc. Flowering is long, running through spring and summer and into autumn in mild climates. Brachyscome spp. grows in open, sunny sites on light, sharply drained soils and tolerates dry spells once established, but is short-lived in heavy, wet ground. Annual species complete their cycle in one season, while perennials may persist for a few years before declining.

Native Range

Brachyscome spp. is native chiefly to Australia, where it grows across a wide range of habitats from alpine herbfields to coastal heath and inland plains, with a small number of species in New Zealand and New Guinea.

Suggested Uses

Grown in containers, hanging baskets, rockeries, and the front of sunny borders, and as a seasonal groundcover. The annual Swan River daisy is widely used as a bedding and basket plant, while perennial species edge paths and fill gaps in gravel gardens. Spacing of 8 to 12 inches (20 to 30 cm) gives a continuous low cover.

How to Identify

Identify Brachyscome spp. by its low, bushy habit and small daisy flowerheads in blue, mauve, pink, white, or yellow with a yellow centre, held singly on slender stalks above the foliage. The leaves are typically finely divided or narrowly lobed. The numerous slender ray florets and ferny foliage separate it from coarser-leaved daisy genera.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height4" - 1'6"

Width/Spread8" - 2'

Reaches mature size in approximately 1 years

Colors

Flower Colors

Foliage Colors

Fall Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~12 weeks

Spring Summer Fall

Flowering is long, beginning in spring and continuing through summer into autumn in mild climates, often spanning 12 weeks or more. The daisy heads are 0.5 to 1.5 inches (12 to 38 mm) across. Removing spent heads prolongs the display.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

blue, mauve, pink, white, or yellow with yellow centre

Foliage Description

green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunFull Sun SunPartial Shade

Requires 6-10 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.5 - 7.5(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loam sand

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Low

Time to Maturity

1-2 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Brachyscome spp. grows in full sun on light, sharply drained soils with a pH of 5.5 to 7.5, and tolerates dry spells once established. Heavy, wet soils cause the plants to rot and shorten their life. Even moisture during active growth supports continuous flowering, while a light trim mid-season keeps plants compact. Annual species are raised from seed each year, and perennials are often replaced after a few years as they become woody at the base. A light feed during the growing season sustains bloom in containers.

Pruning

Shear plants lightly after the main flush to remove spent flowers and maintain a compact, mounded shape. This trimming often triggers a fresh wave of bloom. Cut perennial species back in late winter to encourage new basal growth.