Burgundy daisies provide a rich, deep color that stands out in any garden. Their unique red and purple shades add a sophisticated touch to garden beds and containers, making them a popular choice for gardeners seeking visual interest.
Understanding Burgundy Daisies
The term “burgundy daisy” broadly refers to several plant species with deep red or purplish-red, daisy-like flowers. This common name often includes varieties of Gaillardia (Blanket Flower), Chrysanthemum, Rudbeckia (Black-Eyed Susan), or Echinacea (Coneflower). Despite varying botanical classifications, they share the visual appeal of rich, wine-colored blooms.
Gaillardia varieties feature bicolored flowers with a central cone, blooming from early summer through fall. Rudbeckia cultivars, while known for yellow and orange hues, also offer deep burgundy or reddish-brown petals, often with a dark central eye. Chrysanthemums provide a range of forms, with some varieties showcasing multi-petaled blooms in deep red and burgundy, especially in late summer and autumn. Echinacea, or coneflowers, commonly have a raised central cone surrounded by ray-like petals in shades of burgundy and deep violet-red.
Despite diverse origins, “burgundy daisies” share a bold visual impact in garden settings. Their bloom periods vary, with some flowering from late spring through summer and others providing continuous color into fall. Sizes range from compact varieties for containers to taller selections ideal for borders, making them adaptable to various garden designs.
Planting Burgundy Daisies
Planting burgundy daisies begins with selecting an appropriate site. Most varieties thrive in full sun, requiring at least six hours of direct sunlight daily for abundant blooms. While some tolerate light afternoon shade, too much shade results in fewer flowers and weaker stems.
Soil preparation is important for healthy growth. These plants prefer well-draining soil and tolerate various soil types, including sandy or loamy compositions. Heavy clay soils, which retain too much moisture, should be amended with organic matter like compost to improve drainage and aeration.
When planting, dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and about the same depth. Position the plant so the top of the root ball is level with or slightly above the surrounding soil, then backfill gently and water thoroughly to settle the soil. Spacing varies by mature size, typically 1 to 3 feet apart for larger varieties.
Ongoing Care and Maintenance
Consistent watering is important for newly planted burgundy daisies until they become established. Once established, many varieties, such as Gaillardia, Echinacea, and Rudbeckia, are drought-tolerant and require less frequent watering. Regular, deep watering is beneficial during prolonged dry periods, ensuring the soil dries out slightly between waterings to prevent root rot. Chrysanthemums prefer consistently moist soil, needing more frequent watering, particularly in containers or during hot spells.
Fertilization needs vary among burgundy daisy types. Gaillardia and Echinacea thrive in lower-nutrient soils and require little to no supplemental fertilizer; an annual compost application in spring is sufficient. Rudbeckia benefits from a slow-release fertilizer in spring, while chrysanthemums are heavier feeders and benefit from a balanced fertilizer monthly until late summer. Deadheading, the removal of spent flowers, encourages more blooms and prolongs the flowering season.
Pest and disease issues are minimal for these plants, especially when grown in suitable conditions with good air circulation. Overwatering can lead to fungal diseases or root rot, so proper drainage is important.
Overwintering strategies depend on the specific daisy type and local climate. Many perennial varieties are hardy and remain in the ground, benefiting from a layer of mulch in colder regions to protect the root zone from extreme cold and freeze-thaw cycles. For chrysanthemums, especially in colder zones, lifting and storing roots indoors or providing significant mulch improves survival. Some Rudbeckia and Echinacea varieties, particularly those with fibrous root systems, are more susceptible to winter wetness and benefit from excellent drainage.
Popular Burgundy Daisy Varieties
Several cultivars offer burgundy blooms, making them popular choices. Gaillardia x grandiflora ‘Burgundy’ is a blanket flower cultivar that produces solid burgundy-red petals, often with a darker center. This variety is known for its long blooming period and drought tolerance.
Among Echinacea, ‘Sombrero® Baja Burgundy’ is a hybrid featuring deep violet-red petals surrounding a dark chocolate-brown cone. This coneflower is known for its color, sturdy stems, and extended bloom time from summer until the first frost.
For chrysanthemums, ‘Joyce Fountain’ is a reflex cultivar known for its large, flattened globe-shaped blooms in burgundy. ‘Ruby Mound’ is another chrysanthemum with deep red-burgundy flowers, adding a sophisticated touch. These varieties provide options for gardeners to incorporate burgundy daisies into their landscapes.