English daisy
Also known as
Common daisy, Lawn daisy, European daisy, Day’s eye, Bruisewort
Keep this plant’s care guide close at hand.
Get the appAbout English daisy
Bellis perennis, commonly called the English or lawn daisy, is a compact, cool-season perennial in the aster family, native to Europe and widely naturalized in temperate regions. It forms low rosettes of spoon-shaped leaves and sends up short, leafless scapes topped with button-like composite flowers. Wild forms are typically white with a golden-yellow disk, often blushing pink at the tips; cultivated strains include doubles and shades of pink, red, and white. Bloom is strongest in cool weather of spring and fall, continuing in mild winters and easing during summer heat. Plants spread modestly by short stolons and self-seed, making them well suited to cottage gardens, meadows, and informal lawns. In landscape use, English daisies serve as edging, bedding, container accents, and rock garden plants. Though perennial, they are often treated as biennials in warm climates to maintain peak vigor and flower quality. Leaves and flowers are edible with a mild, slightly astringent flavor and have a history of use in folk remedies and salads.
Taxonomy
Properties & Requirements
How to care for English daisy
Water
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. In-ground plants typically need about 1 inch (2.5 cm) of water per week in cool weather, increasing during dry, windy periods. In containers, water when the top 1 inch (2–3 cm) of mix feels dry, allowing excess to drain freely. Water in the morning to reduce disease pressure. Mulch lightly to moderate evaporation and temperature swings, but avoid burying the crown to prevent rot.
Light
Full sun to partial shade. In mild climates, 6–8+ hours of direct sun yields the most flowers. In hotter inland regions, provide morning sun with afternoon shade to prevent stress and bleaching. Indoors, place in the brightest window or under grow lights providing roughly 10,000–20,000 lux; rotate pots for even growth. Avoid deep shade, which leads to lanky foliage and sparse bloom.
Nutrients
English daisy is a modest feeder. Incorporate compost into the soil before planting, then apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer (e.g., 5-10-5 or 10-10-10) at label rates in early spring. For containers, supplement with a half-strength, bloom-supporting liquid feed every 3–4 weeks during active growth, and top-dress with compost after the first flush to extend flowering. Avoid excessive nitrogen, which promotes leafy growth over blooms. Periodically flush containers to prevent salt buildup.
Temperature
Best performance is in cool conditions, approximately 40–70°F (4–21°C). Plants tolerate light frosts and are hardy to USDA Zones 4–8, sometimes lower with protection. Sustained heat above 80–85°F (27–29°C) slows flowering and may induce summer dormancy. In very cold regions, mulch crowns after the ground freezes to buffer temperature swings. For containers, protect roots from freeze–thaw and extreme heat by insulating or relocating as needed.
