Treasure Flower
Also known as
Gazania, African Daisy, Trailing Gazania, Coastal Gazania
Keep this plant’s care guide close at hand.
Get the appAbout Treasure Flower
Gazania rigens, commonly called treasure flower, is a sun-loving, low-growing perennial often treated as an annual in cooler climates. Native to southern Africa, it forms neat rosettes or spreading mats of lobed, lanceolate leaves that are green above and silvery-tomentose beneath, helping the plant conserve moisture and reflect heat. Its daisy-like inflorescences display bold ray florets in vivid oranges, yellows, reds, pinks, and bicolors with striking banding, surrounding a golden disk. Flowers typically open only in bright sunlight and close at night or on cloudy days. Highly drought tolerant, Gazania thrives in sandy, sharply drained soils where many ornamentals struggle. It is widely used for edging, rock gardens, coastal plantings, median strips, and containers. Plants grow about 15–30 cm tall and 30–60 cm wide, blooming prolifically from late spring through fall in warm regions. Gazania rigens attracts pollinators, tolerates wind and salt spray, and excels in heat, but it is sensitive to prolonged frost and overly rich or wet soils, which reduce flowering and cause crown rot.
Taxonomy
Properties & Requirements
How to care for Treasure Flower
Water
Allow the top 3–5 cm of soil to dry between waterings, then water deeply and infrequently. In-ground plants often need no supplemental water once established except during extended drought. For containers, expect to water weekly in hot weather and every 10–14 days in mild conditions, adjusting for pot size and airflow. Always ensure excellent drainage and empty saucers immediately. Reduce watering significantly in cool, low-light periods. Persistent moisture around the crown is the main cause of failure.
Light
Provide full sun: 6–8+ hours of direct light daily for best flowering and compact growth. Blooms open in bright sun and will remain closed in shade or on overcast days. Light shade reduces flower count and encourages leggy growth. Gazania tolerates intense midday sun, reflected heat, coastal winds, and salt spray. Indoors or on shaded balconies, use the brightest south- or west-facing exposure, or supplement with high-intensity grow lights set to 12–14 hours daily.
Nutrients
Gazania rigens is a light feeder that performs best in lean, well-drained soil. In beds, mix in a small amount of compost and apply a low-rate, slow-release balanced fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10) once in early spring. For containers, feed at quarter- to half-strength with a balanced or bloom-boosting liquid fertilizer every 4–6 weeks during active growth. Avoid high nitrogen, which promotes lush foliage at the expense of blooms and increases susceptibility to rot. Always water lightly after fertilizing.
Temperature
Optimal growth occurs between 18–26°C. Gazania rigens tolerates heat and reflective conditions but is frost-sensitive; foliage is damaged near 0 to −2°C and plants may be killed by prolonged or hard freezes. Treat as a perennial in USDA zones 9–11 and as a cool-season or summer annual elsewhere. If overwintering containers, keep them bright and on the dry side at 7–10°C. Sudden temperature swings combined with wet soil increase rot risk; maintain warmth with excellent drainage.
