Bellis – English Daisy, Herb Margaret
The Daisy of Europe is the one of which we speak here. Who has not read the words of Burns and Wordsworth, and having read, who has not admired these charming button-like flowers tile more? Let us read again several stanzas of Burns:
TO A MOUNTAIN DAISY
On turning one down with the plow
Wee, modest, crimson-tipped flower,
Thou ‘s met me in an evil hour;
For I maun crush amang the stoure*
Thy slender stern;
To spare thee now is past my power,
Thou bonnie gem.
Cauld blew the bitter biting north
Upon thy early, humble birth,
Yet cheerfully thou glinted forth
Amid the storm,
Scarce reared above the parent earth
Thy tender form.
*Stoure-means dust.
Glinted-means peeped.
With the Tulips in the early days of Spring the English Daisy (Bellis pereanis) starts to produce its single or double white, pink, rose and red flowers upon its low plants, for they seldom grow over 3 inches tall. Although they bloom quickly in the Spring, the finest flowers are produced in the Fall when it is cooler.
Bellis perennis, commonly known as the English daisy, is a species of flowering plant in the family Asteraceae. It is native to Europe and Asia and has been widely naturalized in North America, where it is commonly found in lawns, gardens, and other grassy areas.
English daisies are small, herbaceous perennials that grow to a height of about 6 inches. They have a rosette of green, spoon-shaped leaves and produce small, daisy-like flowers with white petals and a yellow center. The flowers bloom in the spring and early summer and are often used in floral arrangements and as a garnish in salads.
English daisies are low-maintenance plants that are easy to grow and thrive in a variety of conditions. They are tolerant of drought and can tolerate partial shade, but they prefer cool, moist soil and full sun. They are often grown as ground cover or in borders, rock gardens, and wildflower meadows.
One of the main reasons for the popularity of English daisies is their versatility. They can be grown in a variety of settings, including urban gardens and rural meadows. They are also suitable for a range of soil types, including sandy and clay soils, and can tolerate a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5.
In addition to their ornamental value, English daisies have a number of medicinal uses. The leaves and flowers of the plant have been used for centuries to treat a variety of ailments, including wounds, skin irritations, and respiratory problems. The plant is also believed to have anti-inflammatory properties and has been used to treat arthritis and other inflammatory conditions.
Despite their many benefits, English daisies do have some drawbacks. They can be prone to pests and diseases, such as slugs, snails, and fungal infections, and may require some maintenance to keep them looking their best. They can also be invasive in some areas and may need to be controlled to prevent them from spreading too aggressively.
Overall, English daisies are a beloved garden plant that is easy to grow and adds a touch of beauty and charm to any setting. Whether used as a ground cover, border plant, or cut flower, they are sure to brighten up any garden with their cheerful, daisy-like blooms.
Where to use English Daisy
They are combined with Pansies and Forget-me-nots and are also used as a ground cover for Hyacinths, Tulips, and other bulbs, either in the rock garden, as an edging for borders, or in the early window boxes.
Where to plant
The hot weather is very severe on the English Daisies. They should be planted 6 inches apart each way in cool soil. They should be protected in the Winter and if they are kept in coldframes, will bloom during the Winter as do Pansies and Violets.
Propagation
The finer English Daisies are propagated by division in the Fall. They grow easily from seed which should be sown in August in coldframes, where they should be kept during the Winter.
