Gazania

Gazania is a perennial grown as an annual that grows well in rock gardens or in other hot, dry areas. It forms a very low, ground-hugging ground cover, producing bright yellow, orange or red, daisy-like flowers. Flowers close at night and on very cloudy days. Plants grow 6 to 12-inches tall with blueish foliage. Do not plant in the partial shade. Full day sun is required for healthy plants.

Use and Management

It is a good plant for erosion control in dry areas. It should be planted 12 to 18-inches apart to form a solid ground cover several months after planting. Good soil gives best growth but the plant tolerates poor, sandy soil. Gazania requires less water than most annuals or perennials. Full sun is preferred and the flowers do not open fully on wet or cloudy days. Extended wet weather or poorly drained soil can promote disease which can kill portions of the plant. Removing the old blossoms may increase the number of blooms produced.