Brachyscome multifida
cut-leaved daisy
Overview
Brachyscome multifida is a low, spreading evergreen perennial reaching 4-8 inches (10-20 cm) tall and spreading 12-24 inches (30-60 cm) wide, forming a dense mat of stems that root where they touch moist soil. The leaves are 0.4-1.2 inches (10-30 mm) long and divided into many narrow segments, giving a finely cut, ferny texture. Daisy flower heads 0.6-1 inch (15-25 mm) across are held just above the foliage on slender stalks, with mauve to violet ray florets surrounding a yellow central disc; white- and pink-flowered forms also occur. Flowering is heaviest in spring and continues through summer and into autumn in cooler climates. The plant spreads by rooting stems and can cover a 2-foot (60 cm) area within one to two seasons. It is short-lived, often persisting three to four years before the centre thins and replacement is needed. Frost cuts back top growth in colder zones, with regrowth from the base in spring.
Native Range
Native to south-eastern Australia, in New South Wales, Victoria, and Queensland. Grows in open eucalypt woodland, grassland, and rocky outcrops on a range of well-drained soils, from lowland to montane elevations.Suggested Uses
Used as a groundcover, in rockeries, along path edges, and in containers and hanging baskets, spaced 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) apart. The flowers draw native bees, hoverflies, and butterflies. In containers of at least 3 gallons (11 L) it trails over the rim, though it tends to be shorter-lived in pots than in open ground.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height4" - 8"
Width/Spread1' - 2'
Reaches mature size in approximately 2 years
Bloom Information
Main flowering is in spring, from September to November, with scattered flowering continuing through summer and autumn where soil stays moist. Individual heads last 1-2 weeks, and the plant carries some bloom over many weeks. Hot, dry conditions reduce flowering until cooler, wetter weather returns.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
mauve to violet with yellow centreFoliage Description
greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 4-8 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
Grows in full sun to part shade in well-drained soil and tolerates light frost once established. Water during dry spells in the first season, as established plants withstand short dry periods but flower less in prolonged drought. Trim lightly after the main flush to keep the mat dense and encourage repeat flowering. Plants spread by rooting stems and can be divided in spring to renew older clumps that have thinned in the centre. Few pests affect it, though stems rot in poorly drained or constantly wet soils. Lifespan is three to four years, after which division or replacement maintains the planting.Pruning
Shear or trim lightly after the main spring flush to remove spent flowers and keep growth compact, which extends flowering into summer. No hard pruning is required. Cutting back frost-damaged stems in early spring lets fresh growth regrow from the base.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
late springsummer
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 3 gallons