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What is an English Daisy?

Barbara Bean-Mellinger
Barbara Bean-Mellinger

The English daisy is a low-growing perennial that is found in Europe, the U.S. and northern Africa. It is also called the common daisy, lawn daisy and Bellis perrenis. The word “daisy” is believed to have evolved from the phrase "day's eye," because the flower closes at night and opens during the day. Many varieties of English daisy can be found growing wild in the grass, hence the name lawn daisy. Their low height — they typically grow no taller than 6 inches (about 15 cm) — means they are often undisturbed by mowing and are considered by some to be weeds.

The blooms can be single-flowered, semi-double or double-flowered. Petal colors can be white, pink, orange, fuchsia or red, with a yellow center. On closer inspection, the center is actually made up of individual tiny yellow flowers, which are often concealed in the double-flowered English daisy. Petals can be smooth or hairy, while the small, approximately 1- to 2-inch (2-to 5-cm) leaves are smooth, spoon-shaped and evergreen. The plant’s tendency to spread makes it ideal as a ground cover, although it can almost take over a garden if left untended.

English daisies can be found growing wild.
English daisies can be found growing wild.

The English daisy is a fairly easily grown, low-maintenance plant. It can be grown from seed in the early spring or from a cutting or divided plant put directly in the ground or in pots. When growing from seeds, the seeds should be pushed lightly to just below the soil line. If using a divided plant, it is best to divide the English daisy in the early spring or just after it blooms.

Average soil is fine for the English daisy, but it prefers a slightly acidic soil with compost added.
Average soil is fine for the English daisy, but it prefers a slightly acidic soil with compost added.

Average soil is fine for the English daisy, but it prefers a slightly acidic soil with compost added. The soil should be watered every few days or daily in hot weather, being sure the soil feels wet to a depth of about 2 inches (about 5 cm). The plants will grow in full sun but prefer partial shade in hotter climates. They are hardy enough to stand up to fairly cold climates.

Blooms should be pinched off after flowering so they do not turn to seed and sow volunteer plants in unwanted places. Removing the dead blooms also encourages the plant to grow more flowers. English daisies that are cared for this way may bloom from late spring through summer and into fall.

The English daisy is relatively pest-free, though it can develop fungal leaf spots. To reduce the likelihood of this type of damage, it is a good idea to water only the soil, not the leaves of the plant. Likewise, fertilizer is best applied only to the soil and not to the plant itself.

Discussion Comments

Spotiche5

@rundocuri- The English daisies in my garden always seem to be teaming with beetles, bees, and butterflies, so it must be a plant that brings insects to a flower garden. I have also noticed that my English daisies seem to stay healthy and strong all summer, and there are rarely holes or brown spots on their leaves. I think this could be because they attract the kinds of insects that feed on plant-eating pests.

Rundocuri

I enjoy it when the flowers I plant in my garden attract insects like butterflies, lady bugs, and praying mantises. Are English daisy plants good for novice entomologists like me?

Heavanet

I love to plant English daisies in my garden because they are so easy to care for. Another good thing about them is that if you keep the soil rich with compost and remove dead plants in the fall, you will most likely find that the number of daisies in your garden will multiply each year.

Daisies are also easy to control when too many sprout up in the spring. All you have to do is thin them out by removing some of the young plants if there are too many daisies in your flower garden.

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    • English daisies can be found growing wild.
      By: Friedberg
      English daisies can be found growing wild.
    • Average soil is fine for the English daisy, but it prefers a slightly acidic soil with compost added.
      By: Vasily Merkushev
      Average soil is fine for the English daisy, but it prefers a slightly acidic soil with compost added.