The classic image of a daisy often features white petals surrounding a bright yellow center. However, the world of daisies is far more diverse. This article explores the existence of pink daisies and highlights specific varieties that showcase this charming coloration.
The Existence of Pink Daisies
Pink daisies exist, adding a vibrant dimension to the common perception of these flowers. While the quintessential daisy, Bellis perennis, is typically white, the broader daisy family, Asteraceae, is expansive, encompassing over 20,000 different types of daisies and daisy-like flowers. Within this vast botanical group, various species and cultivated varieties naturally exhibit a range of pink hues. These pink colorations arise through natural genetic variations or horticultural hybridization efforts. The presence of pink in these blooms is a testament to the extensive diversity found within this popular flower family.
Understanding Pink Daisy Varieties
Several types of daisies and daisy-like flowers are known for their pink blossoms. True English daisies (Bellis perennis) feature pink varieties such as ‘Belladaisy Pink’, which displays double or semi-double flowers, and ‘Rominette Pink’, known for its delicate pink pompom blooms. Another English daisy cultivar, ‘Bellissima Pink’, produces fully double pink button flowers often accented with yellow eyes and white edges. These traditional daisies provide early spring color, typically blooming from February through June.
African daisies (Osteospermum) frequently come in shades of pink. Varieties like ‘4D Pink’ offer soft pink petals with unique lavender-pink quilled centers. ‘Astra Pink’ provides a delicate pink hue, while ‘Bright Lights Pink’ has bubblegum pink blooms and tolerance to heat and humidity. These African daisies contribute continuous color, often blooming vigorously from spring through fall.
Gerbera daisies (Gerbera jamesonii), widely appreciated for their bold and cheerful appearance, also boast numerous pink varieties. These popular cut flowers include ‘Bellita’, which presents a soft pink with a lime green center, and ‘Boost’, a magenta hot pink with a dark central eye. ‘Jaguar Pink’ and ‘Revolution Rose Bicolor’ are other notable Gerbera varieties, displaying rich pink and rosy-pink flowers. Beyond these, coneflowers (Echinacea), though not true daisies, possess a similar form and offer pink options such as ‘Sensation Pink’ and ‘Crazy Pink’, featuring bright and vibrant pink petals around a central cone.