Gazania rigens

Gazanias are low growing half hardy perennials in the aster family and are native to coastal areas of southern Africa. They have large daisy-like flowers on trailing stems and can be grown in containers or hanging baskets or in the garden in borders or mass plantings. The blooms of this plant are orange to yellow but there are many cultivars offering a variety of colors. The flowers close at night and may not open completely on cloudy days. During the hottest part of summer in the south, they may stop blooming until fall as they do best in cool summer areas. Use as an annual or overwinter containers indoors. Stem cuttings can be rooted and overwintered also.

Gazanias prefer sandy to average well-drained soils and are tolerant of loams and poor soils. Allow the soil to dry between waterings, plant in full sun for best blooming and deadhead to encourage continued blooms.

The genus name comes come from the Latin word gaza meaning "treasure".

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  

No significant problems. Do not overwater to prevent root rot. Powdery mildew and mealybugs may occur. Watch for aphids if taken indoors. Some cultivars have shown poor resistance to phytophthora root rot and stem rot. See Phytophthora Root and Crown Rot in the Landscape.