Gazania (Gazania rigens)

Gazania
Scientific Name: Gazania rigens (L.) Gaertn.
Family: Asteraceae

Show Larger Picture Recommended Temperature Zone:
sunset: Perennial zone 8-24
USDA: Perennial 8b-10

Frost Tolerance: Hardy to 15°F (-10°C)
Heat Tolerance: Good, but does better with late afternoon shade
Sun Exposure: Full sun
Origin: South Africa
Growth Habits: Short lived perennial, up to 12 inches tall (30 cm), some varieties spread rapidly by trailing stems
Watering Needs: Occasional summer watering
Propagation: Seeds in winter, cuttings in late summer, clump division

Gazanias are very commonly used as annuals. In Phoenix, they overwinter well if not kept wet. Keep them in light sandy soil, water them occasionally once established, and fertilize them twice a year. If you shear the flowers every month or so to get rid of spent flowers, it is a pleasant and effortless ground cover. Even with reasonable care, you can expect that after a few years the plant will weaken. They should then be replaced.

Cultural Practices:
Sow at 60°F (16°C). Plant 6 week seedlings 10 inches apart (25 cm).

Blooming Habits:
The 3-4 inches flowers (7-10 cm) come in all kind of colors. They close at night and during cloudy weather, so they are not usable as cut flowers. Although they seem to come in greater quantity in spring, they are there year around.

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