Bellis' Mediterranean origins give home gardeners a headache when assessing frost hardiness. Here you can find out what the real reason for the winter hardiness of daisies is.

Daisies are not always well hardy

Bellis perennis - the only one of its kind that tolerates frost

The genus Bellis combines 12 species that are native to the Mediterranean region and are sensitive to cold - with one exception. Only Bellis perennis (daisies) were drawn to Central and Northern Europe. In the course of evolution, the species has learned to survive frost and snow unscathed. The result is the picturesque carpet of flowers that wild daisies delight us with from spring to autumn.

Biennial and hardy - the ingenious survival strategy

Bellis perennis thrives as a perennial in its native habitat. This attribute is the perfect starting point for sustained growth in our cold winter regions. In order to survive north of the Alps without injuries, the common daisy has developed an ingenious survival strategy:

  • In the year of sowing: growth as a basal leaf rosette with a frost hardiness of -34 degrees Celsius
  • The following year: shoots upright, leafless flower stalks with terminal, individual flower heads
  • After the first frost: flowers and leaves die off and can be disposed of

Every daisy ensures its survival by self-sowing. Thanks to this strategy, the biennial mini perennial simulates long-term growth, as is known from native perennials. In fact, after its only flowering period, a Bellis perennis passes the floral scepter on to the next generation.

Preferred Bellis are sensitive to cold - tips for protective measures

Part of the robust winter hardiness was lost as part of the breeding improvement of Bellis perennis. Colorful Bellis varieties with double flowers only have limited tolerance to frost. In the bed and on the balcony, hybrids are therefore dependent on light winter protection, such as a covering of leaves and brushwood. Please wrap the bucket and box with jute, sheep's wool felt or bubble wrap.

tips

If you regularly brush off all that has faded on daisies, the picturesque flowering period will be significantly extended. If the daisies thrive as a large carpet of flowers, cut off the withered flowers at the end of the main flowering period in one go and you will be rewarded with an autumn second bloom.

Category:

Herbs