Tasso White

Class

Dicotyledons

Division

Angiospermae

Family

Asteraceae or Compositae

Order

Asterales

Genus

Bellis

Species

perennis

Description

Ornamental herbaceous plant up to 20 cm high, suitable for creating dense colourful ground cover in beds or borders with a multitude of colourful flower heads, which rise from the foliage gathered in basal rosettes as early as mid-winter and throughout the summer. Tolerates low temperatures in soil free of waterlogging and exposed to full sun.

Varietal description

Ideal plant for flower beds in spring and early summer. Very re-blooming, with a beautiful red colour of its pom-poms.

curiosity and special features

The genus name, Bellis, derives from the Latin béllus meaning beautiful in relation to the plant's gracefulness, while the specific epithet refers to its long flowering throughout the year. In Anglo-Saxon cultivation, Bellis perennis is commonly called 'Daisy' as a derivation of days eye, for its flowers that open at sunrise and close during the night.

Origin and Diffusion

To the botanical genus Bellis, native to Europe and Central Asia, belong seven species of herbaceous perennials, of which the only one of ornamental value is B. perennis, the wild form of which has simple flower heads that close over night and from which derive the present-day cultivated varieties that are distinguished by the size and colour tones of the inflorescences.

Flower size

The flower individually is small, medium-sized, giving elegance and sinuosity to the lush bloom.

Leaf

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

Flowering period

The flowering period lasts from mid-winter to early summer and lasts between 90 and 100 days, allowing flowerbeds and borders to be coloured even during the coldest time of the year.

Inflorescence

Inflorescence.

Leaf color

Solid colour.

Plant height

Theplant's height varies from 0.15 to 0.2 m. It is suitable for creating dense foliage coverings from which the numerous flower heads emerge, as well as being used as a first-rate plant within compositions mixed with other ornamentals of varying development.

Lifespan

A herbaceous plant cultivated mainly as a biennial.

Suggested planting locations

Aggraziata, with its abundant blooms is ideal for adding colour and vibrancy to flowerbeds, borders

Stem/stem

The stem is herbaceous, often pubescent; the variety has no thorns.

Flower

The flower is pon-shaped, small to medium-sized, with a gamopetalous corolla and single-coloured petals. It flowers from mid-winter to early summer, with a flowering period of between 90 and 100 days. It is not particularly attractive to pollinating insects.

Growth

Variety with compact and uniform growth.

Plant habit

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

branching

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 transplanting into the bed, carry out light digging, removing weeds, any residues from previous crops and bulky stones. It is advisable to add professional-quality substrate on the surface for about 5/10 cm by carefully levelling with a rake.

sun exposure

For abundant flowering and proper vegetative growth expose the plant to full sun.

Ideal climate and temperature

The ideal temperature is between 10 and 15 °C for proper development. The vital temperature is between -3 and 30 °C

Use

Due to its bearing and copious flowering it is appreciated for landscape use in:

Outdoor ornamental

Hardiness

A variety with medium hardiness, it is suitable for beds in areas with a cold winter climate, even in frozen soil conditions.

Soil/medium

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.

Maintenance

The easy cultivation and the low level of management effort required add further value to the variety.

cultivation tips

For proper vegetative growth followed by copious flowering, it is advisable to

Avoid over-watering Always keep the substrate moist Prefers cool climate

Composition

Suitable for compact and colourful ornamental bedding compositions, also associated with flowering plants with different heights in order to create perspective views. Colour combinations can include shades of the same hue or an alternation by choosing from the different varieties available, composing designs or patterns according to personal fantasy, or with other species such as Arabis, Armeria, Gazania and Viola cornuta. When transplanting, it is advisable to apply a suitable planting pattern to ensure the correct vegetative development of each individual specimen, also in consideration of the final height reached.

planting

For bed planting, an average density of 20 plants per square metre is recommended in order to ensure proper development of each specimen and thus achieve a harmonious and proportionate final composition. When transplanting, do not sink the root ball completely, positioning the plant's collar outside the soil surface; finally, water immediately after planting but avoid keeping the soil too wet overnight.

Reproduction/Propagation

Multiplication is by sowing.

Irrigation

Use rainwater, alternatively from the aqueduct, either manually or by irrigation. After transplanting, assist the seedling to ensure proper root development in the new site by keeping it at a constant but not saturated humidity. Then allow the soil to dry slightly after each watering to prevent dryness with subsequent leaf yellowing at the base. Avoid water stagnation, which can lead to the development of fungal diseases and rot, and do not water the aerial part of the plant from above during the late afternoon or evening.

Fertilization

After proper establishment at the new planting site, apply a specific fertiliser for ornamental plants to the soil, either liquid, i.e. diluted in the irrigation water, or granular. Make sure before fertilising that the soil is not dry and dry.

Edibility for humans

Non-edible ornamental Species.

advise 1

For proper growth and lush flowering, it is recommended not to plant the plants in completely shady areas that receive only a few hours of light per day.