Blue Daisy Felicia amelloides

Blue Daisy is a herbaceous perennial, aster-like, small shrub. It is a member of the Asteraceae family and a native to South Africa. While it can be grown as a perennial in frost-free climates (USDA zones 10 and 11), it is more commonly grown as an annual in more northern zones. Blue Daisy grows to about 2 feet high and 2 feet wide and its sky blue blossoms with yellow centers appear through the summer. The leaves resemble leaves in the genus Amellus (also native to South Africa), hence the species name. The genus name honors Felix, a German official at Regensburg, who died in 1846.

Blue Daisy grows best in full sun with average, consistently moist, well-drained soils. These plants do not tolerate wet soils or hot and humid summers, and when planted outdoors in hot climates, flowering declines or stops at mid-summer. Alternatively, you can purchase plants in cell packs from nurseries in spring or start seed indoors about 6 to 8 weeks prior to last spring frost date. This approach allows plants to produce blooms before hot summer weather. If your summers are cooler, seeds can be sown outdoors in the ground around the last spring frost date. Cuttings can also be taken in late summer for overwintering.

Blue Daisy can be grown as a ground cover, but is probably more appropriate as an ornamental.

Diseases, Insect Pests, and Other Plant Problems:

No known insect or disease problems. Aphids and spider mites can be troublesome. Root rot may occur in wet soils. Watch for botrytis.