Bellis Plant Growing & Care Guide for Gardeners
Article by Dean Ravenscroft, Ph.D. - Updated 22nd Oct 2023
In this Gardener's HQ guide, we'll explore cultivating Bellis plants in your garden, indoor spaces, and other settings.
- Plant Characteristics: Bellis features charming, small, daisy-like flowers. Perfect for adding a splash of color to lawns and borders.
- Ideal Growing Conditions: Grow in a well-draining soil located in an area that has full sun to partial shade. They enjoy cooler temperatures, and can even tolerate a light frost.
- General Care: Water moderately, keeping the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Deadheading spent flowers will encourage further blooming.
- Tips for New Gardeners: English daisies are a great choice for beginners, as they are both low-maintenance and hardy. For a prolonged bloom, consider planting in successive batches. Be on the look out for vigilant about slugs and aphids, which can sometimes be a nuisance
Daisy, and Bachelor's Button: Cultivation & Garden Use
Bellis are perennials that reach an height of about 20 cm (four inches) and flower from the late spring through to the beginning of summer.
The common names for Bellis include Daisy, Bachelor's button, Meadow daisy and English daisy. They have solitary flowers of white, pink or red. They make good plants for rockeries.
Bellis Perennis by Saturn ♄.
It is important to cut Daisy flowers back after flowering or they may take over the garden. They can be simply mown over if you have a lawn.
Common Daisy by Dawn Endico.
How to Grow and Care for Bellis Daisy
When growing Bellis outdoors it is best to sow out the seeds on the surface from spring to mid summer.
They prefer to grow in rich soil and prefer lightly shaded or sunny areas of the garden.
Commonly Grown Bellis Plant Species
Bellis Perennis
Bellis Perennis (Common Daisy), photograph by Andreas Rockstein; CC.
Bellis annua
Bellis annua (Annual Daisy), picture by ximateix!; CC.
Bellis sylvestris
Bellis sylvestris (Southern Daisy), Image by Katya; CC.
Commonly Grown Bellis / Daisy Cultivars
Bellis perennis 'Habanera'
Bellis perennis 'Habanera' Cultivar photograph by Krzysztof Ziarnek;
CC 4.0.
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Bellis Growing and Care Guide
Common Names: Daisy, Bachelor's Button. Daisy: English; Common; Annual; Meadow; Corsican; Southern; Spanish.Family: Asteraceae.
Life Cycle: Hardy perennial usually grown as a hardy annual or hardy biennial by gardeners.
Height: 3 to 8 inches (5 to 20 cm).
Native: Europe.
Growing Region: Zones 3 to 9.
Flowers: Late spring and summer.
Flower Details: Composite flower. Flowers are on single stalks. White, red or pink; usually with a yellow eye.
Foliage: Basal leaves.
Sow Outdoors: Surface. Early spring before the last frost or in autumn. Sow in mid-summer or autumn in warmer areas. Spacing 5 to 8 inches (12 to 20 cm).
Sow Indoors: Germination time: ten days to four weeks in the light. Temperature 70°F (21°C). Transplant outdoors following the last frost in cool areas; or in late summer or early autumn in warmer areas.
Requirements: Full sunlight or partial shade. Moist soil. Rich soil. Regular watering. Requires a feed early in the growing season. Supply mulch in cooler areas to help over-wintering seedlings. Can be divided once flowering has finished.
Common Questions
How many members does the Bellis genus have?
The Bellis genus includes approximately 10 species.
Do members of Bellis make a good garden or landscaping plant?
Yes, Bellis are popular in gardens, especially Bellis perennis, for their long blooming period and ease of care.
Which Bellis species are most frequently grown by gardeners?
Bellis perennis (Common Daisy) is the most commonly grown species in gardens.
Are members of the Bellis plant genus fragrant?
No, Bellis plants are not known for their fragrance, but their cheery flowers bring life to any garden.
What is the perfect location to grow Bellis?
Bellis prefers a location with full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.
Is Bellis invasive in the USA?
Currently, some Bellis species like Bellis perennis can become mildly invasive in certain areas of the USA.
How do I remove Bellis plants from my garden?
Remove Bellis by digging up the entire plant, ensuring all roots are removed to prevent regrowth.
Summary
The Bellis genus belongs to the Asteraceae family and is native to Europe and the Middle East. The most well-known species is Bellis perennis, commonly referred to as the English daisy. These charming perennials are recognized by their carpet of small, button-like flowers.
To cultivate Bellis, plant them in an area with full sun to partial shade. They prefer well-drained, fertile soil and require regular watering. Bellis can be grown from seeds sown in late summer to early fall, and will flower in the spring and summer.
I hope that you enjoyed this guide on how to grow Bellis. You may also enjoy the following daisy family growing guides: How to grow Sunflowers and Aster plants.
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