Cineraria blue daisy (Pericallis X hybrida) is a bold colored perennial in the aster family. Hardy in USDA zones 9 through 11, the plant is grown as an annual or houseplant north of those zones. The mounding green foliage covers itself with solid or bicolor blooms in winter and spring. Blue daisy plants also are called cineraria, common ragwort, or florist's cineraria.
Blue Daisy Flowers
Many of the daisy like hybrids feature vivid colors with a contrasting eye. Once only bright colors such as blue and purple were available, but now multiple colors are offered. They are easy to propagate from seed or cuttings.
A favorite in the floral trade, blue daisy plants are forced to bloom in winter and early spring. Blue daisy flowers are often given as gifts that bloom through the winter. They can be hard to rebloom, so blue daisy plants are often discarded after the flowers fade. However, with the right care, they can move outdoors in spring and continue to bloom in cool but frost-free weather.
Growing Florist’s Cineraria: Learn About Blue Daisy Care
Blue daisy care includes attention to precise watering, neither too much nor too little. Soil should be kept moist, but very well-draining. Too much water can lead to root rot. Too little water will diminish flowering.
Indoors, blue daisy needs bright, filtered light with ideal temperatures from 60 to 65 degrees F. (16-18 C.). It requires high humidity, but not by wetting the leaves. A pebble tray will increase the humidity around the plant as well as grouping several plants together.
Fertilizer designed for blooming plants may be added following package instructions. Outside, cineraria blue daisy excels in a soil rich with organic matter in a part shady location. Blue daisy is perfect for a spring patio container.
Plants typically reach about 1 foot tall by 1 to 2 feet wide (31 cm. tall by 31-61 cm. wide). Popular cultivars include ‘Cindy Mix,’ ‘Sonnet Mix,’ ‘Tourette Mix,’ and ‘Venus.’
Problems can include diseases such as powdery mildew, gray mold, fungal crown and root rots, rust, and viruses. Pests such as thrips, whiteflies, aphids, and mites can be bothersome.
-
5 Best Winter Indoor Plants To Grow To Turn Your Home Into A Cozy Houseplant HideawayKeep your home (and heart) warm and bright during the chilly months with these gorgeous winter indoor plants – guaranteed to boost your seasonal happiness factor!
-
How To Make Plantable Seed Greeting Cards: Share The Joy Of Growing This Holiday SeasonGet creative making holiday cards using plantable seed paper, and give the memorable gift of growing flowers that will delight recipients for months on end.
-
20 Hard-to-Find Spring Flowers & Plants That Look Amazing All SeasonIt’s finally beginning to look like spring! If you’re eager to find some unique, hard-to-find varietals to satisfy your spring fever, look here first.
-
How Wildflower Strips Help Attract Pollinators To Your YardIf you have a small garden spot or strip available, fill it with wildflowers for our hungry pollinators. Click to learn more.
-
10 Knockout Native Flowers To Add A Punch Of Color To Your GardenGrowing native is the way to go. See our list of ten native wildflowers that will knock you out with color.
-
Pretty Plants For A Pastel Flower BouquetRoses aren’t the only romantic flower. Some romantic pastel flowers can fill in beautifully.
-
Soft Yellow Plants For A Sunny Pastel GardenClick here for ideas on some pale yellow flower varieties for pastel garden designs.
-
Most Common Flower Color In The WorldWhat are the most common and least common flower colors in the world? Click here to find out.
-
Pastel Plants For A Lovely, Light Purple Flower GardenClick here for ideas on some light purple plants for a pretty, pastel garden display.
-
Plant Wildflower Seeds In Fall for A Stunning Spring DisplayCan you plant wildflower seeds in fall? What makes fall the best time to sow wildflower seeds? Click here for more.
