About
Brachyscome multifida, a resilient perennial daisy native to Australia, is frequently cultivated as an annual. This species develops a low, spreading habit, reaching heights of up to 40 cm. It serves well in summer bedding arrangements, as well as in patio and balcony displays, containers, window boxes, and hanging baskets. Additionally, it can be utilized as a ground cover in sunny rock gardens or to cascade over walls. Known as the 'rock daisy,' its finely cut leaves adapt well to dry, rocky, or shallow soils once established. The plant produces small flowers in shades of mauve, pale pink, or white, with petals measuring between 7 to 10 mm. It blooms abundantly from late summer through autumn, and occasionally into winter in sheltered locations. The foliage is composed of delicate, deeply divided mid-green leaves.
About the genus
Brachyscome includes annuals, deciduous, and evergreen perennials, characterized by their finely dissected foliage and daisy-like flower heads. These plants typically display rays in shades of purple, blue, or white, accompanied by yellow or purple disk florets, blooming for extended durations.
Growing conditions
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H3
Plant details
- Plant type
- Bedding, Conservatory Greenhouse
- Habit
- Spreading branched, Trailing
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 1 year
- Suggested uses
- City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Hanging basket, Sub-tropical, Patio and container plants, Mediterranean climate plants
- Native to
- SE Australia
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Grow on in warm frost free conditions. Acclimatise plants before planting outside in early summer. Pinch out growing points while the plants are small to encourage branching and more stems. Regular pinching will create a well balanced compact plant that is perfect for container cultivation. Will grow in any well drained soil in sun.
- Pruning
- Pinch out growing tips regularly when young for a well-balanced and well-branched plant. Trim off the spent flowers after the first early summer flush, to encourage repeat flowering. Careful and regular dead-heading can prolong the flowering display well into autumn.
- Propagation
- Propagate by softwood cuttings
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free