8 Types of Daisies You Should Consider for a Colorful Garden (2024)

• Home
• Gardening
• Flowers

Daisies bring a burst of cheer to the world with their happy, sunny centers and striking petals. The daisy flower is named after the Old English word dægeseage, which means “day’s eye,” because daisies open under the sun’s rays and the petals close at night. They have been symbols of purity and innocence since Victorian times, and they continue to be popular as they’re still frequently used in floral bouquets and woven into daisy chains.

“Daisies are incredibly cheerful flowers that can brighten up any garden,” says Certified Master Gardener Alex Worley, owner of Gardenine. “In fact, we love growing them for more than just their beauty. Some varieties repel bugs in the garden, including mosquitoes.” Luckily, these stunning flowers from the Asteraceae plant family come in many different varieties and are resilient and low-maintenance—here are eight types of daisies you should think about adding to your own garden for some splashes of color.

Types of Daisies

Daisies come in many varieties, with blooms ranging from signature white petals and yellow centers to more colorful hues like red and violet. Below are some of the most common types of daisies and the USDA Zones where they flourish.

Growing and Caring for Daisies

Daisies are generally versatile, hardy plants that can grow in a variety of conditions. They tend to be low-maintenance, but there are a few requirements for them to grow well. Also, note that your specific type of daisy may include needs that deviate from the average. In general, though, most daisies do well in the following conditions.

Sunlight

Daisies thrive in sunny conditions, so plant them in areas that get direct sunlight with at least 6 hours of sunlight per day.

Soil Requirements

Daisies grow well with well-drained soil so their roots can dry out between waterings. Aim for a neutral to slightly acidic pH of 6.0 to 7.0.

Water

After planting your daisies, water them weekly with 1 to 2 inches of water at the base of the plant during the growing season. You can slow down watering to every other week during the winter months. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.

“I prefer watering early in the morning about once a week, aiming to moisten the top 2 inches or so of soil,” Worley says. “Proper watering encourages deep root growth for hardier plants you can rely on for extended blooming periods. Avoid overwatering, as it can lead to fungal issues.”

Your climate will also affect your plants' watering needs. Daisies growing in hot, dry conditions need more water than daisies in cool, moist places.

Fertilizing

Give your daisies a balanced fertilizer once a month or as instructed on the packaging. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to leaf growth over blooms.

Pruning and Deadheading

Daisies do not need much pruning, but regular deadheading will keep them blooming. Remove spent flower heads to encourage continuous blooming throughout the season. To do this, pinch off the faded flower head where it meets the stem.

“Deadheading spent blooms is crucial,” Worley says. “Snip just below the flower head to encourage more buds. For bushy growth, shear occasionally to remove old growth and shape the plants. I would be careful not to cut into green parts, but if leaves start looking tired later in summer, cut the daisies back by one-third to rejuvenate them.”

Common Pests and Diseases

Daisies are generally resistant to pests and disease, but watch out for aphids, slugs, and fungal diseases like powdery mildew. Use organic methods like insecticidal soap or neem oil to control pests. To prevent fungal issues, improve air circulation, ensure you don’t overwater your daisies, and make sure they have enough sunlight.

Are Daisies Toxic to Cats and Dogs?

Yes! According to the ASPCA's animal poison control guide, daisies are toxic to a variety of pets, including cats and dogs. They may experience dermatitis, gastrointestinal distress, or worse. Keep pet snoots out your garden if daisies are present.