Gazania flowers, known as “treasure flowers” or “African daisies,” are celebrated for their vivid, daisy-like blooms. Native to South Africa’s arid regions, these warm-weather plants bring a burst of color with bright yellows, oranges, and reds. Their low-maintenance nature and appearance make them a popular choice for vibrant gardens.
The Sunbather Characteristic
Gazanias earn their common name, “sunbathers,” because their flowers open fully with the morning sun and close as light diminishes or on cloudy days. This daily ritual, known as heliotropism, allows the plant to maximize sunlight exposure. By opening their petals wide, gazanias efficiently capture solar energy, essential for photosynthesis and nutrient production.
This sun-tracking mechanism helps the plant optimize energy absorption, especially in its native sunny, dry environments. Closing flowers at night or during overcast weather also conserves moisture and protects delicate reproductive parts from cooler temperatures. This adaptation highlights their reliance on sunlight for growth and prolific blooming.
Ideal Growing Conditions
Gazanias thrive in locations receiving abundant direct sunlight, ideally six to eight hours daily. Insufficient light leads to fewer blooms and leggy growth, and flowers may remain closed. These plants prefer well-draining soil, such as sandy or loamy types, and tolerate a range of pH levels from acidic to alkaline.
Given their South African origins, gazanias are highly drought-tolerant once established, requiring deep, infrequent watering. Allow soil to dry completely between waterings to prevent root rot in overly moist conditions. Gazanias prefer warm temperatures, flourishing in heat. While they can handle light frost, they are grown as annuals in colder climates due to sensitivity to hard freezes.
Planting and Ongoing Care
Plant gazanias in early spring, after the last frost. Space individual plants 8 to 12 inches apart for proper air circulation and to prevent overcrowding. If starting from seed, sow indoors about 10 weeks before the last frost, or direct sow outdoors once soil has warmed.
Deadheading, or removing spent blooms, encourages continuous flowering. This redirects the plant’s energy from seed production to producing more flowers. Gazanias have low nutrient needs, stemming from their native low-fertility soils. Heavy fertilization is unnecessary and can lead to excessive foliage at the expense of blooms; a light application of balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the start of the season is sufficient. Gazanias are resilient to pests and diseases, though issues like aphids or powdery mildew can occur in humid or poorly circulated environments.
Using Gazanias in Your Landscape
Gazanias are versatile plants bringing vibrant color to various garden settings, especially those with full sun and dry conditions. Their low, spreading growth habit makes them excellent ground cover, particularly in hot, arid areas where other plants struggle. They are used in rock gardens, along borders, or as edging plants for walkways, providing visual impact.
These flowers perform well in containers and hanging baskets. Their ability to tolerate drought and heat makes them suitable for xeriscaping or coastal gardens, thriving with minimal water once established. Gazanias enhance landscape designs by offering continuous color and attracting pollinators like butterflies.