Plant Profile: Gazania rigens

Gazanias thrive as annuals in North Carolina, showcasing large, daisy-like flowers on their trailing stems. These vibrant plants can be cultivated in containers, hanging baskets, or as part of garden borders and mass plantings. While their blooms are predominantly orange, numerous cultivars present a spectrum of colors. It's worth noting that the flowers close at night and may not fully open on overcast days. In the peak of summer heat in the southern regions, they might halt blooming until fall, as they flourish best in cooler summer climates. To ensure their survival through winter, containers can be brought indoors, or stem cuttings can be taken and rooted for overwintering.

Gazanias favor sandy to moderately well-drained soils. It's important to let the soil dry out between waterings, and for optimal blooming, they should be planted in full sunlight. Regular deadheading will promote ongoing flower production.

Family: Asteraceae (Compositae)