
A Complete Guide to 10 Daisy Varieties You Should Grow in Your Garden
If you’re seeking a plant that offers an abundant variety of options, look no further than the ever-popular Daisy. Daisy varieties belong to a diverse group of plants that come in many shapes, sizes, and colors.
Easy to grow and adaptable to various conditions, their versatility makes them a favorite among gardeners. However, with so many different types of daisies, choosing the right one for your garden can be a bit tricky.
This guide will help you explore the most well-known types of daisies, their characteristics, and how to grow them. From classic Shasta daisies to the lesser-known Everlasting daisies, you’ll find plenty of inspiration for your next gardening project.
What Are Daisies?
Daisies belong to the Asteraceae family, one of the largest families of flowering plants. The name “daisy” is commonly used to describe any flower with a simple, bright, and often cheerful appearance, usually featuring a central disc flanked by petals.
While many plants fall under the daisy category, they all share this basic structure. However, they differ greatly in color, size, and blooming seasons, giving gardeners a wealth of options to choose from.
Where Can You Find Daisy Varieties?
Daisies can be found in gardens, meadows, and even along roadsides. However, their cultivation can vary based on species and climate. Some daisies thrive in sunny, dry conditions, while others prefer cooler, moist environments. Understanding your local climate is crucial in selecting the right variety for your space.
Popular Daisy varieties You Should Grow
1. Shasta Daisy (Leucanthemum superbum)
Arguably one of the most iconic varieties of daisies, the Shasta Daisy is a classic addition to any garden. With its striking white petals and a bright yellow center, it has earned its place as a garden favorite. Native to North America, this perennial is known for its resilience and adaptability. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, making it an ideal choice for borders, flower beds, and ground cover.
Key Features:
- Classic white petals with a yellow center
- Grows 2-3 feet tall
- Tolerates poor soil conditions
- Blooms from late spring to early summer
Growing Tips: Plant Shasta daisies in an area that receives at least six hours of sunlight daily. Regular deadheading encourages prolonged blooming and helps prevent the plant from becoming leggy.
Read More about Leucanthemum superbum
2. Everlasting Daisy (Bracteantha bracteata)

The Everlasting Daisy, also known as the Golden Everlasting, is a stunning addition to any garden. With its paper-like petals, this variety has become a symbol of longevity, and it’s perfect for dried flower arrangements. Native to Australia, the Everlasting Daisy it comes in a range of colours and thrives in warm, dry conditions, making it a great option for xeriscaping or low-maintenance gardens.
There are several species of Everlasting Daisies, including:
- Golden Everlasting (Bracteantha bracteata)
- Showy Everlasting (Schoenia filifolia subsp. subulifolia)
- Rosy Everlasting (Rhodanthe chlorocephala subsp. rosea)
- Mangles Everlasting (Rhodanthe manglesii)
Key Features:
- Paper-like petals that last for months
- Vibrant yellow or pink flowers
- Perfect for dried arrangements
- Low-maintenance and drought-tolerant
Growing Tips: These daisies prefer full sun and dry, well-drained soil. They are tolerant of poor soil conditions and need minimal watering once established.
Read More about Bracteantha bracteata
3. Michaelmas Daisy (Aster novi-belgii)
Known for its late-season blooms, the Michaelmas Daisy (also called the Autumn Aster) brings a splash of color to your garden just when other flowers begin to fade. These plants produce clusters of vibrant purple or pink flowers with yellow centers, blooming in late summer to fall. They are perfect for adding color to garden beds when most other flowers have finished blooming.
Key Features:
- Late-season bloomer (late summer to fall)
- Pink, purple, or white flowers with yellow centers
- Grows 2-4 feet tall
- Attracts pollinators such as bees and butterflies
Growing Tips: Michaelmas daisies thrive in well-drained, fertile soil and full sun. Regularly deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms and maintain a tidy appearance.
Read more about New England Daisy
4. New England Daisy (Aster novae-angliae)
A close relative of the Michaelmas Daisy, the New England Daisy is another beautiful fall bloomer. Known for its larger size and more upright growth habit, the New England Daisy produces abundant purple or pink flowers, sometimes with a hint of red. These daisies add a bold statement to your garden and make excellent cut flowers.
Key Features:
- Tall, upright growth habit (4-6 feet)
- Pink, purple, or red flowers with yellow centers
- Blooms in late summer to fall
- Attracts pollinators
Growing Tips: Like the Michaelmas Daisy, the New England Daisy prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It can tolerate some drought but blooms best with consistent moisture.
Read more about New England Daisy
5. Gerbera Daisy (Gerbera jamesonii)

While often called the African Daisy, the Gerbera Daisy is beloved for its vibrant, multi-colored flowers. Native to South Africa, this variety is commonly grown as an ornamental plant in gardens and as a cut flower. Gerberas come in a wide array of colors, including pink, red, yellow, orange, and white, and they can add a cheerful touch to any space.
Key Features:
- Bright, bold flowers in a variety of colors
- Grows 12-18 inches tall
- Perfect for containers and garden beds
- Blooms from spring to fall
Growing Tips: Gerbera daisies prefer full sun and well-drained, slightly acidic soil. They thrive in warmer climates but can be grown as annuals in cooler regions.
Read More about Gerberas
6. Seaside Daisy (Erigeron karvinskianus)
The Seaside Daisy, also known as Mexican Fleabane, is a charming, low-growing perennial perfect for coastal gardens or containers. With its delicate, white-petaled flowers and yellow centers, this variety adds a soft, informal feel to garden spaces. It blooms from spring to fall, producing small but abundant flowers that attract pollinators.
Key Features:
- Small, daisy-like flowers in white and pink
- Grows 12-18 inches tall
- Spreads easily, making it a great ground cover
- Attracts butterflies and bees
Growing Tips: Seaside daisies thrive in well-drained soil and full sun. They are highly tolerant of poor soil conditions and drought, making them ideal for low-maintenance gardens.
Read more about Erigeron
7. English Daisy (Bellis perennis)
Commonly known as the English Daisy, this small perennial is often found in lawns and gardens, where it can sometimes be considered a weed. However, its cute, button-like flowers with pink, red, or white petals can be a charming addition to any garden, especially in early spring.
Key Features:
- Small, bright flowers in pink, red, or white
- Grows 6-8 inches tall
- Prefers cool, moist conditions
- Blooms in early spring
Growing Tips: English daisies thrive in moist, well-drained soil and partial shade. They can handle some frost, making them perfect for early spring gardens.
8. Capeweed (Arctotheca calendula)
In some regions, Capeweed is what people used to use for making daisy chains, especially in Australia. With its striking yellow flowers and bold green foliage, Capeweed is an excellent ground cover plant. Though often considered a weed in some areas, it still provides visual appeal in the garden.
Key Features:
- Bright yellow flowers with a dark center
- Spreads easily, making it great for ground cover
- Thrives in sunny, dry conditions
- Blooms from spring to summer
Growing Tips: Capeweed grows best in full sun and well-drained soil. While it’s tolerant of drought, it does require occasional watering during extended dry periods.
9. Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea)

Echinacea, also known as Purple Coneflower, is a hardy perennial known for its striking purple flowers and medicinal properties. Often used in herbal remedies to boost the immune system, this plant also adds vibrant color to any garden. Its daisy-like flowers, with large, purple petals surrounding a spiky, orange-brown central cone, make it a favorite among pollinators like bees and butterflies. Echinacea is perfect for naturalistic gardens, wildlife habitats, and cutting gardens due to its sturdy nature and long bloom period.
Key Features:
- Large, purple or pink petals surrounding a spiky, orange-brown cone
- Grows 2-4 feet tall
- Attracts pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and birds
- Blooms from mid-summer to early fall
- Medicinal uses for boosting immunity and treating colds
Growing Tips: Echinacea thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. Once established, it is drought-tolerant and can tolerate poor soil conditions. Regular deadheading will help extend the blooming season, and dividing the plants every few years will keep them vigorous and healthy.
Read More about Echinacea
10. Rudbeckia (Rudbeckia hirta)

Rudbeckia, commonly known as Black-eyed Susan, is a cheerful, sun-loving perennial that brightens up any garden with its bold yellow or orange petals and dark central cone. Native to North America, Rudbeckia is a favorite for adding a touch of warm color to borders, wildflower meadows, and cottage gardens. It blooms profusely throughout the summer, creating an eye-catching display that attracts pollinators such as bees and butterflies, as well as birds looking for seeds in the fall.
Key Features:
- Bright yellow or orange petals with a dark brown or black central cone
- Grows 2-3 feet tall
- Blooms from mid-summer to early fall
- Attracts bees, butterflies, and birds
- Great for cut flowers and garden borders
Growing Tips: Rudbeckia prefers full sun and well-drained soil, making it perfect for sunny garden spots. It is highly adaptable and can tolerate drought and poor soil once established. Deadheading spent flowers encourages additional blooms, and cutting back the plant in early spring helps promote healthy growth.
Read More About Rudbeckia
Daisy Varieties – Conclusion
Daisies are a versatile, low-maintenance group of plants that come in a wide variety of species, each offering something unique to your garden. From the classic Shasta Daisy to the vibrant Gerbera Daisy, there’s a daisy for every garden style and climate. By understanding the specific needs of each variety, you can ensure a flourishing and colorful garden all year round.
Whether you’re creating a sunny flower bed, filling out a border, or looking for low-maintenance ground cover, some of the many daisy varieties will surely brighten up your outdoor space. Happy planting!
Daisy Varieties are available for sale from the following nurseries
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