Tanager® African Daisy

Gazania krebsiana (ga-ZAY-nee-ah kreb-zee-AH-na)

Family: Asteraceae Unknown Groundcover (<1 ft)

Tanager® gazania is a broadleaf, semi-evergreen, herbaceous perennial cultivar with vibrant orange daisy-like flowers. The flowers have deep orange petal rays surrounding a center disk, and an intricate speckled black ring encircles the disk. The blooms are borne on the end of the stem, and the foliage is narrow, dark green, and glossy. The foliage develops a deep purple tint over the winter months. The plant has an upright, low-growing, dense, mat-like clumping habit, and grows only 4 to 8 inches tall and 8 to 12 inches wide. It is often used as a groundcover. It is a member of the daisy family (Asteraceae). The genus name, Gazania , honors Theodore de Gaza, a 15th-century Greek scholar. He translated the botanical writings of Theophrastus from Greek to Latin. Grows best in full sun and partial shade, and prefers sandy, well-drained soil with a neutral pH. It is intolerant of wet or soggy soils, but it is drought-tolerant and tolerant of urban conditions. It is winter hardy in zones 6 to 9. The blooms attract butterflies and other pollinators. Deadheading spent blooms will encourage more flowers. Tanager® Gazania is an excellent choice for rock gardens, border plantings, mass plantings, and an outdoor container planting. The bright flowers are eye-catching and will provide color for several seasons. Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Monitor for mealybugs. May be susceptible to leaf spot and powdery mildew. Overwatering or overly moist soils can result in root and stem rot.

Source: NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox ↗ NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, 49 attributes.