‘Cut Leaf Daisy’
It has been grown in gardens for years and Brachysome multifida has earned its place as a easy care no fuss garden plant. with many cultivars becoming available, some with even more compact growth habits than the species, they are even suited to growing in containers.
Brachyscome multifida is the most commonly found of the species of the cut leaf daisies sold nurseries across Australia. Summer flowering and self seeding these plants are available for sale in a number of colors including the cultivar ‘ Break of day’ with its mauve flowers as well as the white flowering species
Cut leaf daisies (picture right) are found across Victoria, New South Wales, Western Australia and Southern Queensland.
Care
They grow best is a sunny position however they can handle part shade. They make good ground covers and once established are reasonably drought tolerant.
Most varieties will reach around 10cm – 25cm in height with a spread of around 1m. Colours range from blue through to pink and white. All species are suitable for growing in pots or containers. A humus rich well drained soil is best.
The lower growing or prostrate forms are useful in hanging baskets especially in mixed plantings. They also work well in mass landscape plantings.
Pruning Cut Leaf Daisies
Best tip pruned in autumn to keep them in a more compact and bushy habit.
Brachyscome multifida varieties and other species
Brachyscome multifida are the most common species available, including
- B. multifida compact,
- B. multifida alba and
- B. multifida pink.
- B. valencia is a taller growing species.
Also spelt Brachycome however Brachyscome was indeed the original spelling, later corrected but still widely used.
Summary
- Botanical Name – Brachyscome multifida
- Common Name – Cut Leaf Daisy or Rocky Daisy
- Position – Full sun to light shade
- Soil – Well drained
- Flowers – White to purple depending on variety
- Flowering Time – Year round in most conditions
- Foliage – Deep green
- Habit – Evergreen, Prostrate
- Height – To around 30cm
- Spread – To around 30cm
- Uses – Ground cover plant, edging plant, general garden border filler, coastal conditions.