The Bellis daisies (Bellis perennis), also known as common daisy, common daisy, meadow daisy, are exceptional plants for their ornamental value, medicinal properties, and remarkable ease of cultivation. This comprehensive guide shows you how to care for them, multiply them, and take advantage of their beauty in home and garden decor, incorporating advanced recommendations and the most effective tips for getting the best flowering.
Characteristics of Bellis margaritas
- Family: Belongs to the Asteraceae (Asteraceae), one of the largest families of flowering plants.
- Origin: Native to temperate zones of Europe, it has spread to North Africa and Central Asia, adapting quickly to a wide variety of climates and soils.
- Ports: Herbaceous plant of small size, normally 10 to 30 cm tall Depending on the variety, the leaves grow in a rosette, are basal, fleshy in texture, and deep green in color, with slightly lobed or serrated edges.
- Flowering: Produces small but showy flowers On thin, leafless stems. The flowers have a yellow central disc and petals that can be white, pink, or red. There are cultivars with double or pompom-shaped flowers, broadening the decorative spectrum.
- Fructification: The fruit is a small, dry and light achene, which facilitates its natural dispersal.
- Aroma: Daisies are aromatic, adding a sensory touch to the garden.
Meaning and ornamental value of the Bellis margarita
La Bellis perennis Not only does it stand out for its beauty, but it also carries various symbolic meanings:
- Blanca: Represents beauty and purity.
- Pink: It symbolizes love.
- Red: Related to passion.
- Multicolor: Adds joy and vitality.
These flowers, easy to identify by their elongated petals and yellow centers, are ideal for providing light and color both outdoors (flowerbeds, borders, rockeries, lawns) and in interior decoration with flower pots. Its simple and delicate appearance adds a romantic and wild touch to any space.
Properties and medicinal uses of Bellis margarita
In addition to its ornamental value, bellis has been used since ancient times in folk medicine. Among its active components include:
- Saponins (with anti-inflammatory and purifying action)
- Resins
- Beta-sitosterol
- Clorofila
- Essential oils
- Tannins
- Organic acids and flavonoids
Thanks to these compounds, it is attributed properties:
- Anti-inflammatory
- scarring
- antispasmodics
- Expectorants and antitussives
- Sudorific and diuretic
- Depurative and digestive
- Laxatives
- Blood pressure regulators
It has been used to treat liver and kidney conditions, improve symptoms of rheumatism, gout, and joint pain, and reduce fluid retention. It also helps combat catarrh and flu, lowers fever, and promotes the elimination of phlegm and throat irritations. Its healing action is useful for speeding the healing of minor wounds, cuts, acne, and minor bleeding.
Complete care for Bellis margaritas indoors and outdoors
- Light and location: The Bellis perennis prefers full sun or semi-shadeFor abundant flowering, direct sunlight for several hours is ideal. In very hot areas or in the middle of summer, it may appreciate protection during the middle of the day.
Tip: At least six hours of direct sunlight guarantee spectacular blooms. It also thrives in north- or east-facing gardens or balconies. - Temperature: Es cold resistant and tolerates mild frosts. It adapts to a wide temperature range from 10°C to 25°C, even surviving below zero. It thrives optimally in temperate climates.
- Soil and substrate: It is not demanding on soils, but prefers those that are light, rich in organic matter and with good drainageIt can be grown in a pot using a quality universal potting mix and adding a layer of gravel or expanded clay to the base to promote drainage. Avoid clay or waterlogged soils, which can cause root rot.
- Irrigation: Requires regular and moderate wateringThe soil should be kept moist, but never waterlogged. During warmer periods, watering should be slightly increased, especially in pots.
Trick: In dry climates, water deeply, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. A slight drought is better than constantly moist roots. - Subscriber: It doesn't require much fertilizer. Apply universal granulated fertilizer or a liquid fertilizer for flowering plants. once or twice a season during growth, never in excess.
- Pruning and maintenance: Remove wilted flowers and dry leaves to encourage new blooms and keep the plant healthy. Deep pruning is recommended after the flowering season to promote regrowth and future flowering, especially if you grow it in a pot.
Propagation of Bellis daisies: cuttings, seeds and division
Propagation of Bellis perennis is simple, quick, and inexpensive. There are several techniques:
- Sowing by seeds: You can sow seeds in seedbeds with moist, well-drained soil. The best time to sow is from late winter to early spring, or even in autumn if protected from severe frost. Germination takes just a few days if adequate humidity is maintained.
- Division of bush: Ideally, this should be done when the plant is dormant or just before vigorous growth begins (early spring). Remove the entire plant, divide it into rooted sections, and transplant each part.
- Cuttings: New specimens can be obtained from stem or root fragments by rooting them in moist, aerated substrates.
Key tips to boost the flowering of Bellis daisies
- Optimal location: Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight stimulates the production of larger, more intensely colored flowers.
- Pruning withered flowers: Regularly removing dried flowers encourages the appearance of new inflorescences.
- Punctual subscriber: Fertilizing at the right time (early spring and after each flowering) ensures sufficient nutrients for a vigorous growth cycle.
- Controlled irrigation: Neither excess nor extreme drought. Maintaining a balance is essential to prevent root diseases and enhance plant vitality.
- Changing the pot: If you grow it in containers, change the substrate every two years to avoid compaction and nutrient loss.
Problems, pests and diseases
La Bellis perennis It is a fairly resistant plant, but it can be affected by some problems if the conditions are not optimal:
- Pests: Thrips (mainly affecting flowers), slugs and snails (common in spring if humidity is high; to avoid them you can spread coarse salt on the ground or plant repellent species such as lavender, rosemary, sage or geranium nearby).
- Fungi: Botrytis cinerea (causes drying of leaves and stems in cool, humid environments; recognized by gray mold), Pythium (rot in seeds and roots in seedbeds), septoria (irregular spots on leaves) and cercospora (circular spots on leaves).
- Virus: Aster yellows virus can cause widespread yellowing. If this occurs, remove and destroy the affected plant to prevent infection.
Prevention and treatment: Use preventative fungicides if the environment is prone to humidity, and avoid wetting the foliage during watering. Remove and destroy affected parts to slow the spread of infection.
Decoration and uses in the home and garden
- In gardens: La Bellis perennis It is very popular in naturalized gardens, borders and rockeries. It creates dense and colorful floral carpets in lawn areas, especially if planted en masse.
- In pots and balconies: It's perfect for decorating terraces, balconies, and patios. Its low height makes it ideal for hanging baskets, planters, and small containers.
- Inside: Grow daisies in small to medium-sized pots and place them in bright locations near windows. Keep in mind that they need ventilation, but not excessive drafts.
- Creative Combinations: Combine daisies with other seasonal plants such as pansies, violas, and small spring bulbs for a striking and long-lasting visual effect.
- Decorative varieties: The Bellis perennis 'Pomponette' y 'Robella' They stand out for their pompom-shaped flowers and intense colors, ideal for collectors and those seeking a unique ornamental effect.
Propagation of daisies from cuttings: step by step
- Select a healthy plant and cut a piece of stem just below a node.
- Remove lower leaves and leave only two or three pairs at the top.
- Prepare a pot with moist, well-drained soil. Make a small hole with a pencil and place the cutting inside.
- Water the substrate (without flooding) and place the pot in a warm and bright place, without direct intense sunlight.
- keep moisture spraying the leaves. Once rooted, transplant to the garden or a larger container.
Types and varieties of daisies
- Bellis perennis (meadow daisy): Small flower, usually white, pink or red, very resistant and long-flowering.
- Older Margarita (Leucanthemum vulgare): Blooms in spring and summer, with a golden center and white petals. It can reach 60–90 cm.
- African daisy (Dimorphotheca): Yellow, orange or pink petals, blooms from spring until the arrival of cold weather, withstands drought well.
- Sea Margarita (Asteriscus maritimus): Especially suitable for coastal areas and dry soils, intense yellow petals.
- blue daisy (Felicia amelloides): Blue petals and yellow center, ideal for adding a different color to sunny gardens.
Transplantation, adaptation and advanced maintenance
- Choose a sunny location and a well-aerated, weed-free soil.
- Remove the plant carefully from its container or from the ground, taking care not to damage the root system.
- Prepare a hole slightly larger than the root ball and place the plant at ground level.
- Fill with loose substrate and press gently to settle the plant.
- Water well after transplanting to facilitate adaptation and reduce water stress.
Interesting facts and tips to extend the life and beauty of your Bellis margaritas
- Long flowering: Depending on the variety and growing conditions, Bellis can bloom during several seasons, from autumn to spring, and even well into the warm season.
- Biodiversity and pollinators: Its capitula inflorescences are very attractive to bees, butterflies and other beneficial insects, promoting biodiversity in orchards and gardens.
- Low maintenance: It is an ideal plant for both beginners and experienced gardeners, as its hardiness and adaptability require little effort and provide great decorative and ecological results.
- Avoid excess humidity: A common mistake is overwatering or constantly leaving moisture on the roots; use aerated substrates and monitor drainage, especially in pots.
- Toxic to pets: Although generally safe, some parts of the bellis can be irritating if ingested in large quantities, so it is best to keep dogs and cats away from them during handling and planting.
With these care and tips, Bellis margaritas become an unbeatable option for those who want to enjoy a spectacular flowering for a long time, bringing color, joy, and health to any garden or corner of the home. Its easy maintenance and extraordinary decorative versatility make it one of the most recommended flowers for urban gardens, terraces, patios, and small balconies, or for naturalizing meadows and green areas.
