Gazanias are a popular choice for gardeners seeking vibrant, daisy-like blooms that last all season. Native to South Africa, they thrive in hot, dry conditions where many other plants struggle. Gardeners frequently ask whether these colorful additions will return with the spring warmth. The answer depends entirely on the climate in which the plant is grown.
Understanding Gazania Hardiness Zones
Gazanias are classified as tender perennials, meaning they are capable of living for multiple years under the right conditions. Their long-term survival is directly tied to the severity of winter temperatures, typically measured using the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone map. In regions corresponding to USDA Zones 9 through 11, Gazanias reliably return each year, behaving as true perennials because the ground does not freeze deeply enough to kill the root system.
Gazanias can tolerate a light frost, sometimes surviving temperatures down to approximately 20°F to 25°F. However, they cannot withstand a hard, sustained freeze. Gardeners in Zones 8 and colder must treat them as annuals. In these colder climates, the plants complete their full life cycle—sprouting, flowering, and setting seed—within one growing season before succumbing to the first significant frost.
Strategies for Bringing Them Back in Cold Climates
Gardeners in cold regions who wish to keep their favorite Gazania varieties can employ specific techniques to bypass the harsh winter climate.
Overwintering Potted Plants
One effective method is overwintering the entire plant indoors. This requires planting the Gazanias in containers, allowing them to be easily moved inside before the first frost arrives. Before transitioning the plants indoors, cut them back by about two-thirds to reduce foliage. The potted plants should be placed in a cool, bright location, such as a sunny windowsill or a heated garage, and watering must be significantly reduced.
Taking Cuttings
Another reliable method is taking cuttings from the mother plant in late summer or early fall. These basal cuttings are rooted in a sterile medium indoors and then grown into new plants. They can be transplanted outside after all danger of frost has passed the following spring. This propagation technique allows the gardener to ensure the exact variety returns without risking the original plant to the elements.
Essential Care for Maximum Lifespan
Proper cultural care is necessary to maximize Gazanias’ health and blooming potential, regardless of whether they are grown as annuals or perennials. These plants demand full, unfiltered sunlight, as their flowers will close up at night and remain shut on heavily overcast days. A minimum of six hours of direct sunlight is needed to support their robust flowering.
The soil composition is equally important, as Gazanias are native to arid regions and require excellent drainage. They thrive in sandy or rocky soil and are highly susceptible to root rot if they are overwatered. Once established, they are notably drought-tolerant, meaning deep, infrequent watering is preferable. Consistently removing spent blooms through deadheading encourages the plant to produce new flowers rather than seeds, which is essential for continuous blooming throughout the growing season.