A series of free flowering Gazania with large flowers.
Pronunciation
(gay-ZAY-nee-uh)
Plant Type
All Plants, Annuals
Sunlight
full, mostly sunny
Moisture
approach dryness, wet conditions are one of the main causes of rot, high humidity is another problem
Soil & Site
well drained
Growing Media
well drained
Flowers
large up to 4.5 inches, one flower per peduncle (flower stalk), assorted colors all with a reddish strip down the middle of the petal
Leaves
long, surround the base of the plant, green on the top and gray woolly on the underside
Maintenance
Will develop mildew in the coolness of the fall. A fungicide can be used to control the mildew
Propagation
seeds, division
Native Site
Species native to South Africa.
Misc Facts
Genus named after Theodore of Gaza, a medieval translator of botanical works.
Author's Notes
I have grown Gazania for many years in outdoor containers. They have always produced masses of flowers throughout the summer. The containers are in an area that gets 1/2 day of full sun. In the late summer, early fall I have a mildew problem because the foliage stays moist into the night. On occasion I have brought these plants into the greenhouse for the winter. In the high humidity of the greenhouse, the foliage can turn dusty white from powdery mildew.
Notes & Reference
#40-Herbaceous Ornamental Plants (Steven Stills), #51-Armitage's Manual of Annuals, Biennials, and Half-Hardy Perennials (Alan Arimitage)