BOLD & BEAUTIFUL BELLIS

Bellis, although part of the common Daisy species and considered to be, well, common, are a wonderful addition to any spring garden. They are very easy to establish, require minimal maintenance and coupled with their beautiful flowers, why wouldn’t you want them in your garden?

Bellis perennis is part of the Asteraceae family which in southern Africa is one of the biggest families of flowering plants. This family includes bedding favourites such as Sunflowers, Asters, Cosmos, Marigolds, Zinnias and Dahlias to name a few. Bellis are native to western, central and northern Europe. Modern day hybrids have ensured their “naturalised” status on every continent now, except Antartica.

Bellis is a herbaceous perennial, but is used as an annual in the cold winter climates. It flowers from spring right through to late autumn. The foliage remains low to the ground and the stems rise to a height of approximately 15-20cm bearing one flower each. The leaves are spoon like in shape and a dark green in colour. They are slightly serrated and covered in short hairs. The flowers are round in shape and are 5-7cm in diameter. Their appearance can vary slightly. One variety has a single layer of fine, elongated petals surrounding a yellow disk. Another variety has multiple layers of petals surrounding a yellow disk and finally there is a variety that creates a complete pom-pom. The central yellow disk is only evident in the early stages of blooming. Bellis are available in limited colours, those being white, red and various shades of pink and rose.

Plant your Bellis in full sun, although they can withstand part shade, in well draining soil.  Before planting add compost to the soil and dig in some slow release fertilizer. Plant only to the depth they were in the tray. Mulch well around the new seedlings, but be sure not to smother the young plants. For the first couple of weeks, water at least once a day and thereafter less frequently, depending on the temperature.

This plant is relatively low maintenance. Some dead heading is required and you will want to remove the lower growing leaves which die off periodically. New leaves are continually replacing the old. Bellis is not a particularly heavy feeder. A soluble multifeed once every 6-8 weeks if planted in your garden is sufficient. In containers you will need to feed every 4-5 weeks.

The most compelling reason for having Bellis in your garden is because of its healing abilities. Cuts, bumps, bruises, joint pain and even insomnia. In the Middle Ages, Bellis was commonly known as Bruisewort because of its efficacy in treating minor injuries. It is one of nature’s wonder plants.
Happy gardening!

DID YOU KNOW: Pest insects avoid eating the foliage of Bellis due the acrid taste and because of this, it makes for an excellent insect repellent?