Daisy (English daisy) Bellis perennis
Daisy (English daisy) (Bellis perennis) is an evergreen perennial groundcover in the Asteraceae family, native to Europe and western Asia. It grows 5–15 cm (2–6 in) tall and 10–20 cm (4–8 in) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about -30 °C (-22 °F). Space plants about 15 cm (6 in) apart.
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Daisy (English daisy) at a glance
| Type | Perennial groundcover, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Mature height | 5–15 cm (2–6 in) |
| Mature spread | 10–20 cm (4–8 in) |
| Spacing | 15 cm (6 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 5 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance low |
| Soil pH | 5.5–8 |
| Cold hardiness | About -30 °C (-22 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 4) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 30 °C (86 °F) |
| Flowering | from about March for 17–29 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Moderate |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Yes: flowers, young leaves |
| Native to | Europe and western Asia |
| Common in gardens of | 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇮🇪 Ireland, 🇫🇷 France, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇳🇱 Netherlands, 🇵🇱 Poland, 🇸🇪 Sweden, 🇳🇴 Norway, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇳🇿 New Zealand, 🇦🇺 Australia |
Is Daisy (English daisy) toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
Not poisonous; the flowers are used as a salad garnish.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Daisy (English daisy)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
Questions about Daisy (English daisy)
- How far apart should I plant Daisy (English daisy)?
- About 15 cm (6 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 10–20 cm (4–8 in).
- Does Daisy (English daisy) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 5 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Daisy (English daisy) need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance low.
- How cold-hardy is Daisy (English daisy)?
- It tolerates about -30 °C (-22 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 4.
- When does Daisy (English daisy) flower?
- From about March for 17–29 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Daisy (English daisy) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Not poisonous; the flowers are used as a salad garnish.
- What grows well with Daisy (English daisy)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Daisy (English daisy). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- RHS Find a Plant (plant profiles and growing guides), Royal Horticultural Society
- Wildflowers and meadows, Plantlife (UK)
Notes and assumptions
- The lawn daisy: leaves in a flat rosette that survives mowing, and flowers that close at night. Its name comes from the Old English for “day’s eye”. Double pompon forms are grown as spring bedding.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
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