Daisies are some of the most charming little flowers out there, but here’s a pro tip: not every “daisy” you see at the garden center is the same plant! To make sure you’re getting exactly what you want for your garden or patio, it’s always a good idea to double-check the botanical name.
Meet the Different “Daisies”
When you’re out shopping, you’ll find several different plants labeled as daisies. While they all belong to the group of long-blooming plants, they actually come from different species. Here are the most common ones you’ll run into:
- Cultivated varieties of the Common Daisy
- Swan River Daisy
- Cut-Leaf Daisy (or Rock Daisy)
- Santa Barbara Daisy (Spanish Daisy)
Even though their bloom times vary, they are all known for putting on a show for a long time.
Common Daisy (Bellis perennis)
The classic Common Daisy is a true early bird. For pots or window boxes, you’ll usually find cultivated varieties with beautiful, fluffy double blooms.
- Bloom time: February to June
- Colors: White, pink, red, and reddish-purple
- Light: Full sun to partial shade
- Best neighbors: Other spring favorites like primroses, violets, or forget-me-nots.
Swan River Daisy (Brachyscome iberidifolia)
Often called the Blue Daisy, this Australian native is a real stunner. Just a heads-up: it’s not frost-hardy! Wait until mid-May (after the last frost) to move your daisies onto the balcony. Its delicate flowers look a lot like mini marguerites.
- Bloom time: April to September
- Colors: Lavender-blue
- Light: Full sun
- Best neighbors: Geraniums, petunias, or yellow Sanvitalia (for a gorgeous color contrast).
Cut-Leaf Daisy (Brachyscome multifida)
You might see this one labeled as a Rock Daisy or Hawkesbury Daisy. In many garden centers, it’s often grouped with the Swan River Daisy. Like its cousins, this potted daisy should stay indoors until the threat of frost has passed in mid-May.
- Bloom time: April to September
- Colors: White, pink, lavender, or deep purple (depending on the variety)
- Light: Full sun
- Best neighbors: Geraniums and petunias.
Spanish Daisy (Erigeron karvinskianus)
Also known as the Santa Barbara Daisy or Mexican Fleabane, this plant is usually grown as an annual because it doesn’t handle cold winters well. To keep it happy, don’t put it outside until the weather stays consistently warm in mid-May.
- Bloom time: April/May until the first frost
- Colors: Starts white, then fades to a lovely pink
- Light: Full sun
- Best neighbors: Lavender, bellflowers, or sage.
