Gazania

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Botanical Name

Gazania

Family

Asteraceae - The daisy family.

Pronunciation

guh-ZAY-nee-uh

Common Name(s)

Gazania hybrids

Plant Group

Ground Cover A plant with a low-growing, spreading habit, grown specifically to cover the ground.

Plant Size

Small to Medium

Tree 8m to 15m

Shrub 75cm to 1m

Perennial/ground cover 20cm to 40cm

Bulb 30cm to 40cm

Succulent 20cm to 40cm

Position

Sun The area is in full sun for all or most of the day, all year round.

General Information

Drought Tolerance: High The plant is well adapted to arid conditions; it can survive long periods of drought and high temperatures without extra water.
Evergreen Plants that have leaves all year round.
Frost: Hardy The plant can withstand freezing temperatures or frost without artificial protection.
Sand tolerant Plants adapted to survive in nutrient poor, very sandy soils.
Water Wise Plant species originating from low rainfall regions that require less water to survive and thrive than other plant species.
Wind Tolerant Plants able to withstand the effect of strong winds.

Specific Information

The leaves of this gazania hybrid are fuzzy white below and shiny green above. The plants form a clump and grow quickly, forming a dense mat. They flower prolifically. The flowering season will be extended if the old flower heads are removed every few days.

Flowers

Description

daisy

Season

Winter to Summer Plants will seldom bloom for the entire season as given in the list, but should flower during a period within these parameters.

Colour

yellow
cream
red
pink
orange
white
maroon

Growth Rate

Fast Specifying growth rate can be very misleading as there is considerable variation of growth rate depending on type and species of plant, available water, supplementary feeding, mulching and general care, as well as the plants suitability and adaptability to the garden environment.

Plant Uses

Attracts bees and other insects This plant attracts insects which can be food for birds or other creatures in your garden.
Border A strip of ground, at the edge of a driveway or path in which ornamental plants or shrubs are planted.
Container Trees, shrubs and ornamental species that can adapt to growing in a restricted environment.
Edging A low growing plant that provides softness or definition to the edges of a bed or walkway.
Filler Either a fast growing tree or shrub used temporarily to fill in an area while the permanent plants grow to a desired size, or a plant used to fill gaps in borders or beds.
Ground Cover Low-lying plants that spread fast, require minimal maintenance, and cover large expanses or bare areas between bulbs or shrubs. They provide protection from erosion and drought and improve the visual appearance of the garden.
Mass Planting Plants useful for filling a large area with just one or a few kinds of plants spaced close together. Creates a bold, dramatic effect and to reduces maintenance.
Pioneer for new gardens A very fast growing plant, able to withstand hardship, that can be used to populate land that has recently been cleared of natural vegetation. These plants pave the way for slower-growing species by adding nutrients to the soil and creating leaf litter.
Retaining Walls Shallow rooted plants for cascading over dry stone walls or planting in hollow spots in retaining blocks.
Rock Garden An area constructed of larger rocks, arranged naturally, to emphasise the use of stones as a main element. Generally plants used do not need a lot of care.
Stabilize Banks Plant is used to prevent soil erosion because their roots will form a mat that stabilizes the soil and keeps it from washing away in heavy rains.
Suitable for coastal gardens Plants adapted to dry, sandy soil, forceful wind, limited rainfall and intense sunlight.

Ad Break

Distribution

Hybrid

Planting Suggestions

Gazanias need well-drained soil and will thrive in most conditions. Left alone they are water wise and will require little attention. For optimal blooming, feed and water regularly. For my purposes, I choose under- rather than over-watering. Dry conditions result in smaller plants that make a tight clump, while those that are fed and watered, although lush, tend to overgrow and need to be cut back or be re-planted within a season or two. I do this in winter with a pair hedging shears and cut the plants quite close to the ground, removing as much of the woody growth as possible. By spring new plants have formed. Alternatively, the whole plant can be dug up and new shoots planted.

Medicinal Uses

Availability