Blue daisy (Felicia amelloides)

Also known as: Blue daisy bush

Felicia amelloides, known as the blue daisy or blue marguerite, is a perennial plant originating from South Africa's coastal regions. Introduced to Europe in the 19th century, it remains a popular ornamental choice due to its striking blue flowers.

For optimal growth, this plant thrives in:
- **Sunlight:** Full sunlight.
- **Soil:** Moist but well-drained soil.
- **Watering:** Regular watering, with soil allowed to dry slightly between sessions.
- **Humidity:** Prefers dry conditions, as it does not fare well in high humidity.

These guidelines help ensure vibrant blooms and healthy growth.

In This Article

Care Tips Water Sunlight Temperature Soil Fertilize Prune Propagation Repotting

Attributes of Blue daisy

Lifespan

Perennial, Annual

Plant Type

Herb

Plant Height

30 cm to 61 cm

Spread

30 cm to 60 cm

Leaf Color

Green White Variegated

Flower Size

4 cm

Flower Color

Blue Yellow White

Images of Blue daisy

Quickly Identify Blue daisy

Compact, bushy growth up to 2 feet (60 cm) tall

Lance-shaped, glossy deep green leaves

Bright blue flowers with yellow centers

Profusion of daisy-like blooms year-round

Slender yet sturdy stems supporting numerous flower heads

Scientific Classification of Blue daisy

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Asters bellflowers fanflowers and allies

Family

Daisy

Genus

Felicia

Species

Blue daisy

Planting and Growing of Blue daisy

Care Difficulty

Easy

Watering Schedule

Every 8 days

Sunlight Requirements

Full sun

Sunshine Duration

4-6 hours

Ideal Temperature

60-75℉

Soil Type

Potting Mix, Peat Mix

Soil pH

6.5-7.5

Fertilizer Type

Balanced

Pruning Season

Spring, Summer

Pruning Area

Branches, Leaves

Pruning Frequency

2 times a year

Repotting Season

Spring

Pot Type

Plastic, Ceramic

How to Water Blue daisy?

For Felicia amelloides, watering should be generous enough to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. The plant prefers 150ml of water per session, ensuring the water penetrates to the root level for even distribution. This helps the plant stay hydrated while avoiding stagnant water, which can lead to root rot.

What are the symptoms of an underwatered Blue daisy? ›

What should I do if my Blue daisy is not getting enough water? ›

What are the symptoms of an overwatered Blue daisy? ›

How to save an overwatered Blue daisy? ›

What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Blue daisy?

Sunlight Requirements: Full sun, Partial sun

Duration of light: 6 to 8 hours daily

Thriving in full to partial sunlight, Felicia amelloides benefits from ample sun exposure. This fosters blossoming and healthy foliage essential for its ornamental appeal.

How much sun does Felicia amelloides need? ›

What if I cannot provide direct sunlight? ›

What are the benefits of ideal lighting? ›

More About Sunlight Requirements Techniques→

What Is the Ideal Temperature Range for Blue daisy?

Ideal Temperature: 60 ~ 75℉

Felicia amelloides thrives best within an ideal temperature range of 60°F to 75°F. Such temperatures support optimal growth and flowering for this perennial plant. Providing a stable environment in this range encourages lush foliage and vibrant blooms. It is essential to maintain consistent warmth throughout its growing season for sustained health and vigor.

What Soil is Best for Blue daisy?

Soil type: Sandy loam, Sand soil, Loam

Soil PH: 6.5 ~ 7.5

Felicia amelloides thrives in well-drained soil as it prevents root rot by allowing excess water to flow away swiftly, promoting healthy root development and vibrant blooms. This plant benefits from nutrient-rich soil, which provides essential elements that enhance foliage growth and richly colored flowers, ensuring the plant remains vigorous over time. Maintaining moderate soil moisture is key for Felicia amelloides, keeping the soil neither too dry nor waterlogged. This balance aids in consistent growth and prevents stress from drought.

How to Fertilize Blue daisy?

Fertilizer type: Balanced

Felicia amelloides needs a balanced approach when it comes to fertilizer application. During the active growing season, it benefits from moderate fertility; too much can cause lush foliage at the expense of flowers. Use a balanced liquid fertilizer at half strength twice a month.

How to Prune Blue daisy?

Pruning Time: Spring, Summer, Autumn

Start by observing the overall shape of your Felicia amelloides and identify any long or outgrowing stems that disrupt its compact form. Trim these back to a leaf node using your clean, sharp scissors or pruners. Regularly deadheading flowers by pinching their stems at the base encourages continuous blooming. Additionally, look for any stems or leaves showing signs of disease or damage and remove them promptly to preserve the plant’s health. After the initial pruning, inspect the plant frequently to identify any new growth. As Felicia amelloides can grow vigorously, selective trimming of these new stems can encourage the plant to become bushier. When cutting, make your cut above a node where leaves attach to the stem, promoting new shoots. Such strategic trimming not only keeps the plant well-shaped but also enhances air circulation within the foliage, preventing diseases. More About Pruning Techniques→

How to Propagate Blue daisy plant?

Propagate Time: Spring, Early summer

Begin by filling a seed tray with a good quality seed mix. Sow the Felicia amelloides seeds thinly and cover lightly with soil. Keep the tray in a warm area and maintain consistent moisture with gentle watering.

Using sterilized pruning shears, take 4-6 inch cuttings from healthy, non-flowering shoots. Strip the leaves from the lower half and dip the cut end in rooting hormone to enhance root development.

Plant the prepared cuttings in a well-draining potting mix, ensuring that the lower nodes are buried. Place the pot in a warm, bright location away from direct sunlight and mist regularly to maintain humidity.

More About Propagating Techniques→

How to Repot Blue daisy plant?

Repotting frequency: Every 1-2 years

Felicia amelloides should be repotted when you notice roots are emerging from the drainage holes or circling the pot's surface. This indicates the plant has outgrown its current pot and requires more space for its roots to expand and to enhance nutrient absorption. Ideally, repotting should be done during the growing seasons of spring or autumn to give the plant enough time to establish in its new home before any extreme weather conditions.

Select a pot that is just slightly larger than the current one, preferably 1 to 2 inches bigger in diameter. This allows room for growth without overwhelming the plant with excess soil that can lead to root rot. Make sure the pot has adequate drainage holes to prevent waterlogging, which is crucial for maintaining root health. A ceramic or terracotta pot can also benefit the plant as they are porous materials that aid in moisture regulation.

Opt for a well-draining potting mix that retains some moisture without becoming waterlogged. A mix with added sand or perlite is ideal, as these components improve aeration and drainage. This type of soil prevents root rot and compaction, providing essential oxygen to the roots and facilitating healthy plant growth.