Gazania is a perennial grown as an annual that grows well in rock gardens or in other hot, dry areas (Fig. 1). It forms a very low, ground-hugging ground cover, producing bright yellow, orange, or red, daisy-like flowers. Flowers close at night and on very cloudy days. Plants grow 6 to 12-inches tall with blueish foliage. Do not plant in the partial shade. Full day sun is required for healthy plants.
Figure 1. Gazania
General Information
Scientific name:Gazania spp
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Pronunciation: gay-ZAY-nee-uh species
Common name(s): gazania
Family:Compositae
Plant type: ground cover; perennial; herbaceous
USDA hardiness zones: 8B through 11 (Fig. 2)
Planting month for zone 8: Apr; May
Planting month for zone 9: Mar; Apr; May; Sep; Oct
Planting month for zone 10 and 11: Feb; Mar; Apr; May; Nov; Dec
Origin: not native to North America
Uses: ground cover; edging
Availablity: somewhat available, may have to go out of the region to find the plant
Figure 2. Shaded area represents potential planting range.
Description
Height: .5 to 1 feet
Spread: 1 to 2 feet
Plant habit: round
Height: .5 to 1 feet
Spread: 1 to 2 feet
Plant habit: round
Foliage
Leaf arrangement: most emerge from the soil, usually without a stem
Outstanding plant: plant has outstanding ornamental features and could be planted more
Invasive potential: not known to be invasive
Pest resistance: long-term health usually not affected by pests
Use and Management
It is a good plant for erosion control in dry areas. It should be planted 12 to 18 inches apart to form a solid ground cover several months after planting. Good soil gives best growth but the plant tolerates poor, sandy soil. Gazania requires less water than most annuals or perennials. Full sun is preferred, and the flowers do not open fully on wet or cloudy days. Extended wet weather or poorly drained soil can promote disease, which can kill portions of the plant. Removing the old blossoms may increase the number of blooms produced.
Pests and Diseases
No pests or diseases are of major concern gazania but can be susceptible to root rot on wet or poorly drained soils.
