The question of whether daisies can be purple is complex because “daisy” is a non-scientific, common term applied to a wide array of flowering plants within the Asteraceae family. While the classic image is a wild daisy with white petals and a yellow center, this is only one small part of the extensive plant group. The definitive answer depends entirely on the specific species referenced, as many species commonly called daisies naturally produce purple or lavender hues. This broad classification means that many varieties are purple, even if the most familiar ones are not.
The Definitive Answer: Understanding the Daisy Family
The common term “daisy” lacks scientific precision, encompassing dozens of species across many genera within the Asteraceae family. The most recognizable examples are the English Daisy (Bellis perennis) and the Shasta Daisy (Leucanthemum × superbum), which are typically white with a yellow center. This classic appearance sets the standard for what most people consider a daisy. However, the Asteraceae family also includes the African Daisy (Osteospermum), the Gerbera Daisy (Gerbera), and various Michaelmas and Oxeye daisies, many of which exhibit diverse colors. Even the original Bellis perennis has varieties with purple and red ray flowers. Therefore, purple is a possible color expression within this broad plant family.
How Flowers Get Their Color
Flower color, including purple, is determined by various pigments synthesized within the plant’s cells. The most important compounds for producing red, blue, and purple shades are the water-soluble pigments called anthocyanins. The specific color they express is influenced by the chemical structure of the molecule and the acidity (pH) of the cell sap. In contrast, the bright yellow centers and white rays of the typical daisy are often due to carotenoids or flavones, which are different classes of pigments. Purple color requires the plant to have the genetic pathways to produce and heavily concentrate certain anthocyanidins. Since the genetic pathways for producing strong anthocyanin saturation are less common in many wild daisy species than those for flavones, pure purple is naturally rarer than white or yellow.
True Purple Varieties and Cultivated Hues
The most prominent examples of purple-colored flowers commonly called daisies come from the genus Osteospermum, known as African Daisies. These plants naturally feature an extensive color range, including rich lavender and deep purple shades, such as the ‘Akila Purple’ or ‘Soprano Purple’ cultivars. These African Daisies are highly valued for their vibrant, consistent purple blooms, often with a contrasting blue or dark center. Beyond the African Daisy, purple hues have been developed through selective breeding in other genera. Cultivated varieties of the English Daisy (Bellis perennis) have been bred to produce deep rose and reddish-purple colors. Hybridization and selection have amplified the natural anthocyanin production in these plants, leading to a wide selection of purple “daisies” purposefully created to showcase a deeper color than their wild ancestors.