Gazanias are one of my favorite flowers in the summer garden. They are so well behaved and nothing seems to phase them; be it sun, wind, humidity or heat. They come in all kinds of sunny bright colors. I prefer the shades of yellow and orange as they seem to tolerate the sun better and do not fade, but they do come in paler shades of pink. Their foliage is dark green and they stay compact throughout the growing season. Just about perfect.
Several years ago I added this perennial variety to my rock garden. It has a silver leaf with fine coating of hairs. The flowers are yellow and although no blooms appear during the winter the foliage adds a bight spot to the garden.
This year I added a third variety. This one has a more lemon colored flower but the same fuzzy foliage. It seems a little more open than the original one which makes a tight spreading clump.I may have to strike a few cuttings in the fall.
Jenny, i am a TREMENDOUS fan of gazania - and I always have to talk people into using them because they find them too common. Well, if tough, exceptional beauty is common, count me in! I am especially in love with a silver leaved, dusky pink flowered variety that I can't name - I always refer to it as Gazania 'Mauve' when ordering it.
ReplyDeleteThanks for shining a light on this pretty, and humble little workhorse!
Best,
Ivette
Those are lovely! I especially like the first shot -- you captured the color contrast really well.
ReplyDeleteStripy, man!
ReplyDeletejo
I've tried these before in north Texas' black clay. They didn't do too well. Maybe here in the rocks they'd do better....but, they probably make good deer food..haha...
ReplyDeleteLove your new blog look. Really makes those yellows pop.
Linda
Gazanias aren't perennial for me in Birmingham, but I like growing them every year because they're so easy. Hey, I saw some fabulous photos of your garden on Digging. Is yours primarily a spring garden or do you have cool stuff going on throughout the year?
ReplyDeleteGermi-Glad someone else is a fan of this flower. I strted some from seed this year but they haven't bloomed yet. I see the buds so I look forward to seeing their colors.
ReplyDeleteLinda- Well they are growing in improved soil in my raised rock garden so maybe that helps.
Grumpy gardener- Thanks for stopping by. The extended spring garden will give way to different plants and then we have the cooler fall days to look forward to with lots of color. It usually stays quite colorful but getting it through the summer is not always easy. It usually gets overgrown if I am gone for periods of time. However having said that the critters can have their way with the garden! In the fall it will be mine again.
How beautiful Gazania is. I have always been drawn to old fashion plants. That first shot a great!
ReplyDeleteI almost bought these at Home Depot yesterday. After seeing yours, I think I'm going back to buy them!
ReplyDeleteBrenda
Beautiful! It seems that every few years I remember to plant these - and I'm always glad when I do. Thank you for the reminder!
ReplyDeleteI've never encountered this plant before, but I like the sound of it. Where did you find yours?
ReplyDeleteI picked up the perennial ones at Natural Gardener. The other was started from seed but you can find them anywhere. Not natives to Texas.
ReplyDeleteI have fallen in love with this plant. It has bloomed all summer long on my west facing deck. My question is can they be moved indoors for the winter. Since we are approaching oue first frost and they are still so beautiful, I would like to extend them if possible.
ReplyDeleteI don't know where you live but if light frosts are all you get I would expect them to winter over. Mine do and I get quite cold in my garden. If you live in a hard winter area then I would take them in until it warms up.
ReplyDeleteI have ganzania in my back yard,I want remove them for a play area for kids..The ganzania are nice however not functional for this area.. Best way to get rid of ?
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