Miscuglio Fiore Piccolo

Class

Dicotyledons

Division

Angiospermae

Family

Asteraceae or Compositae

Order

Asterales

Genus

Bellis

Species

perennis

Description

An ornamental herbaceous plant growing up to 20 cm tall, suitable for creating dense, colourful ground cover in flowerbeds or borders, with a multitude of colourful flower heads rising from the foliage, which is arranged in basal rosettes, from mid-winter right through to the end of summer. It tolerates low temperatures in well-drained soil in full sun.

Variety description

A perennial plant that flowers profusely in spring and early summer. Its flower heads are very rain-resistant. It can be grown in planters on balconies. It is ideal for use as a border in flowerbeds.

Curiosities and special features

The genusname , Bellis, derives from the Latin *béllus*, meaning ‘beautiful’, in reference to the plant’s graceful appearance, whilst the specific epithet refers to its long flowering period throughout the year. In the Anglo-Saxon tradition, Bellis perennis is commonly known as a ‘daisy’, derived from ‘day’s eye’ – meaning ‘eye of the day’ – because its flowers open at sunrise and close at night.

Origin and distribution

The botanical genus Bellis, native to Europe and Central Asia, comprises seven species of perennial herbaceous plants, of which the only one of ornamental value is B. perennis, whose wild form has simple flower heads that close up during the night and from which the current cultivated varieties are derived; these are distinguished by the size and colour shades of their inflorescences.

Flower size

Each individual flower is small, lending elegance and grace to the lush display of blooms.

Leaf

The leaves with elongated lamina form a basal rosette adhered to the ground.

Flowering period

The flowering period lastsfrom mid-winter to summer for between 90 and 120 days, bringing colour to flowerbeds and borders even during the coldest time of the year.

Inflorescence

Inflorescence.

Leaf colour

A Homogeneous.

Plant height

The plant grows to a height of between 0.15 and 0.2 m; it is suitable for creating dense canopies of foliage from which numerous flower heads emerge, as well as for use as a foreground plant in mixed arrangements with other ornamental plants of varying heights.

Lifespan

A herbaceous plant grown mainly as aperennial.

Where to plant

Graceful and with its profuse blooms, it is ideal for adding colour and vibrancy to flowerbeds, traffic island flowerbeds, borders, window boxes, outdoor planters and small pots

Stem

The stem is herbaceous and often hairy; the plant has no thorns.

Flower

The flower is daisy-shaped, small in size, with a gamopetalous corolla and single-coloured petals. It flowers from mid-winter to summer, with a flowering period of between 90 and 120 days.

Growth

A variety with compact and uniform growth.

Plant habit

The globular habitus allows for dense colourful coverings of high ornamental value.

Branching

A variety with abundant branching and a high density of foliage and flowers.

PH

The ideal soil for Bellis perennis has a slightly acidic pH between 5.8 and 6.0.

Soil preparation

Before planting in the flowerbed, lightly dig over the soil, removing weeds, any residues from previous crops and large stones. We recommend adding a layer of professional-grade growing medium to the surface, approximately 5–10 cm thick, and levelling it carefully with a rake.

Sun exposure

For abundant flowering and healthy growth, place the plant inpartial shade or full sun.

Ideal climate and temperature

The ideal temperature for proper growthis between 10 and 18 °C.The survival temperature range is between -3 and 30 °C

Use

Owing to its growth habit and profuse flowering, it is valued for use in landscaping in:

Outdoor ornamental settings Outdoor landscape design

Hardiness

A variety with medium to high hardiness, it is suitable for flowerbeds in areas with cold winters, even in conditions where the ground is frozen.

Soil

It adapts to different soil conditions, but the ideal soil for proper vegetative development is medium textured, well-drained and structured. Excessive watering with poorly drained soils may cause Leaf yellowing.

Difficulty

The fact that it is relatively easy to grow and requires little management effort adds further value to this variety.

Growing tips

To ensure healthy vegetative growth followed by abundant flowering, it is recommended that you

Balanced fertilisation In hilly areas above 300 m. It can tolerate full sun all day long. In summer, it prefers shaded positions to avoid drought stress and high afternoon temperatures It prefers a cool climate

Combinations with other plants

Suitable for compact, colourful ornamental flowerbed arrangements, and can also be combined with plants of varying heights to create a sense of depth. Colour combinations may include shades of the same hue or a mix of the various available varieties, creating patterns or designs according to personal preference, or combined with other species such as Arabis, Armeria, Gazania and Viola cornuta. When transplanting, it is advisable to ensure an appropriate planting density to guarantee the correct vegetative development of each individual plant, taking into account the final height it will reach.

Planting

For planting in flowerbeds, an average density of 15 plants per square metre is recommended in order to ensure the proper development of each plant, thereby achieving a harmonious and proportionate final arrangement. When transplanting, do not bury the root ball completely; position the plant’s collar above the soil surface. Water immediately after planting, but avoid keeping the soil too wet overnight.

Propagation

Multiplication is by sowing.

Watering

Use rainwater or, alternatively, tap water, either manually or via an irrigation system. After transplanting, care for the seedling to ensure proper root development in its new location, keeping the soil at a constant moisture level but not waterlogged. Subsequently, allow the soil to dry out slightly after each watering, preventing periods of drought which can lead to the leaves turning yellow at the base. It is advisable to avoid waterlogging, which can lead to the development of fungal diseases and rot; furthermore, do not water the above-ground part of the plant from above during the late afternoon or evening.

Fertilising

Once the plant has settled properly in its new location, apply a fertiliser specifically designed for ornamental plants – either a liquid fertiliser, to be diluted in the irrigation water, or a granular fertiliser. Before applying the fertiliser, ensure that the soil is not dry.

Edibility for humans

Non-edible ornamental Species.

Tip

For proper growth and lush flowering, it is recommended that if planted in semi-shaded beds it flowers profusely, on the contrary, if left completely in the shade it has poor flowering. Avoid soils with too much clay and heavy waterlogging. When planting take care to incorporate peat substrate.