Gazania, Genus, spp., Multiple species,
- Genus
- Multiple species
treasure flowers
Overview
Gazania is a genus of about 17 species of low-growing annual and perennial herbs in the daisy family (Asteraceae), native to southern Africa. Plants form basal rosettes or spreading mounds 6-12 inches (15-30 cm) tall and 8-12 inches (20-30 cm) wide. The leaves are lance-shaped to deeply lobed, 2-6 inches (5-15 cm) long, dark green above and densely white-woolly beneath, giving a two-toned look when they flex in wind. Solitary daisy-like flower heads 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) across are carried on short stalks in orange, yellow, red, pink, bronze, and cream, very often with a contrasting dark ring or spotted zone at the base of the ray florets. The heads open in sun and close at night and during overcast weather, a response that limits their display to bright days. In frost-free regions, including USDA zones 9 to 11, plants are grown as short-lived perennials, while in colder climates they are used as warm-season annual bedding. Gazania tolerates heat, drought, sandy soils, and coastal salt spray, and several hybrid strains have been bred for larger heads and a wider color range. Performance declines in humid, wet conditions, which promote crown rot.
Native Range
Gazania species are native to southern Africa, principally South Africa, Lesotho, Eswatini, Mozambique, and Angola, where they grow in grassland, coastal sand, and dry rocky slopes. G. rigens is the species behind most cultivated forms and has naturalized on sandy coasts in California, Australia, and the Mediterranean.Suggested Uses
Gazania is used in sunny borders, edging, rock gardens, gravel plantings, and containers, spaced 8-12 inches (20-30 cm) apart. The drought and salt tolerance suits coastal gardens, slopes, and xeriscapes. Low spreading strains are grown as seasonal ground cover and in window boxes.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height6" - 1'
Width/Spread8" - 1'
Colors
Bloom Information
In mild climates Gazania blooms nearly year-round, peaking from late spring through autumn, roughly May to October. As bedding annuals in colder regions, plants flower continuously from early summer until frost. Each head lasts several days, opening and closing daily with the light.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
orange, yellow, red, pink, bronze, or creamFoliage Description
dark green above, white-woolly beneathGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-12 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
Plants grow in full sun and sharply drained soil, including sandy and gravelly substrates with a pH near 6.0 to 7.5. Established plants tolerate heat, drought, and coastal salt, needing only occasional deep watering. Flower heads stay closed in shade, so sites with at least six hours of direct sun sustain the display. Wet, humid, or poorly drained conditions cause crown and root rot, the main cause of decline. In zones 9 to 11 plants persist as perennials; elsewhere they are replaced each season. Spent plants reseed and hybrid strains may not come true from seed.Pruning
Removing faded flower heads keeps plants blooming and limits self-seeding. Shearing leggy or tired clumps by about one-third in midseason promotes fresh foliage and a new flush of flowers. No structural pruning is needed.Container Growing
Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 1 gallons
