Goodenia bellidifolia (Daisy-leaved Goodenia)

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Goodenia, Genus, bellidifolia, Species,

Genus & species

daisy-leaved goodenia

Goodeniaceae Eastern Australia

Attracts Pollinators Container Friendly

SunFull Sun – Part Shade

WaterHigh

HardinessZones 8–11

Overview

Goodenia bellidifolia is a perennial herb forming a basal rosette of narrow, sometimes toothed leaves 1-4 inches (2.5-10 cm) long, from which slender, erect flowering stems rise 12-24 inches (30-60 cm). The stems are mostly leafless and carry yellow flowers along their upper length. Each flower is about 0.4-0.6 inch (10-15 mm) long, with five lobes grouped to the lower side in the fan-shaped arrangement typical of the genus, and the throat is marked with darker lines. Flowering occurs over spring and summer, with individual stems blooming over several weeks. Small capsules follow, releasing seed as they dry. The plant grows in damp, sandy and peaty soils and tolerates seasonal waterlogging. Above-ground growth can die back in dry periods, with regrowth from the rootstock when moisture returns. In dense vegetation the slender stems can be hard to see among surrounding plants.

Native Range

Native to eastern Australia, from Queensland through New South Wales to Victoria and Tasmania. Grows in heath, sedgeland, and damp open forest on sandy or peaty soils, often in seasonally wet sites at low to moderate elevations.

Suggested Uses

Planted in bog gardens, pond margins, and moist native garden beds at 8-12 inch (20-30 cm) spacing. Suits damp heath and sedge plantings where soils stay seasonally wet. Grows in containers of at least 2 gallons (8 L) kept consistently moist.

How to Identify

Recognized by a basal rosette of narrow, sometimes toothed leaves and slender, largely leafless flowering stems to 24 inches (60 cm). Yellow flowers 0.4-0.6 inch (10-15 mm) long have five lobes grouped toward the lower side, with the throat lined in darker markings. Separated from Goodenia stelligera by its flatter leaf rosette and less densely glandular flowering stems.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height1' - 2'

Width/Spread6" - 1'

Colors

Flower Colors

yellow

Foliage Colors

green

Fall Foliage Colors

no change

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~8 weeks

Flowers: September–February

Spring Summer

Flowers mainly in spring and summer, from about September to February in south-eastern Australia, with timing varying by site moisture. Individual stems bloom over several weeks, and a stand may flower across the warmer months. Flowering is reduced in dry seasons when the plant dies back.

Detailed Descriptions

Foliage Description

Green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunFull Sun SunPartial Shade

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

Soil Requirements

pH Range4.5 - 6.5 (Acidic to neutral)

3579

Soil Types

sand peat

Drainagemoist

Water & Climate

Water Needs

High

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Grows in full sun to part shade in moist, sandy or peaty soils and tolerates seasonal waterlogging. Water to hold soil moisture during establishment and in dry spells, as the plant slows or dies back when soil dries out. It grows poorly in dry, alkaline, or heavy clay soils. Plants may be short-lived but can self-seed where conditions stay moist. Foliage can brown in summer drought, with regrowth from the rootstock after rain. Snails may graze the soft rosette leaves in wet weather.

Pruning

Cut spent flowering stems back to the rosette after seed drop to keep growth compact, or leave them to allow self-seeding. Remove browned foliage as the plant dies back in dry or cold periods. No other trimming is required, as growth renews from the rootstock.