Brachyscome ciliaris
variable daisy
Overview
Brachyscome ciliaris is a small, short-lived perennial or annual herb of the family Asteraceae, growing 4–12 inches (10–30 cm) tall and spreading 8–16 inches (20–40 cm) wide. The habit and leaf shape vary widely across its range, hence the common name variable daisy. The grey-green leaves are 0.4–1.6 inches (10–40 mm) long and divided into narrow lobes, sometimes with a fringe of short hairs. From spring to summer the plant carries daisy flower-heads about 0.6–1 inch (15–25 mm) across, with mauve, blue, pink, or white ray florets around a yellow centre. The flowers are held singly on slender stalks above the foliage. B. ciliaris grows in grassland, mallee, shrubland, and open woodland across much of inland and southern Australia, on a range of soils. It tolerates heat, drought, and poor soils once established but is short-lived and frost-tender, and growth thins in shade or in heavy, wet ground.
Native Range
Native to inland and southern Australia, in grassland, mallee, shrubland, and open woodland on a wide range of soils.Suggested Uses
Used in dry native gardens, rockeries, low borders, and containers. Suited to hot, free-draining, low-water sites in full sun. Spaced 10–14 inches (25–35 cm) apart for massed colour.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height4" - 1'
Width/Spread8" - 1'4"
Bloom Information
Daisy flower-heads open from spring through summer, and after rain at other times in warm areas. The heads are 0.6–1 inch (15–25 mm) across, with mauve, blue, pink, or white rays around a yellow disc. Flowering continues for several weeks while soil moisture lasts.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
mauve, blue, pink, or white with a yellow centreFoliage Description
grey-greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 5-12 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
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grow Brachyscome ciliaris in full sun to light shade in light, free-draining soil. It tolerates heat, drought, and poor soils once established and needs only occasional water in dry spells. Heavy, wet soils and deep shade cause it to thin and rot. The plant is short-lived, often two to three years, and renews from self-sown seed. Light trimming after the main flush prolongs flowering. Propagation is from seed or from cuttings of soft growth.Pruning
Trim lightly after the main flowering flush to remove spent heads and keep the plant compact. A harder cut-back in late winter renews tired growth. Self-sown seedlings can be left or removed as wanted.Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 2 gallons