Blue daisy (Felicia amelloides) is an evergreen perennial that is native to the coasts of South Africa. In the 19th century it was introduced to Europe as an ornamental plant and is still commonly cultivated for its vivid flowers. It does well in moist, well-drained soils and in full sun. It dislikes humid conditions.
I. Appearance and Characteristics
Felicia amelloides, the blue daisy bush or blue felicia, is a hairy, soft, usually perennial, evergreen plant, in the family Asteraceae. It can be found along the southern coast of South Africa.
The blue daisy was first described by Carl Linnaeus in the second edition of his Species Plantarum, published in 1763, and he named it Cineraria amelloides. Conrad Moench gave it the name Cineraria oppositifolia in 1794, Henri Cassini called it Agathaea coelestris in 1815, while Augustin Pyramus de Candolle reassigned Linnaeus’ name, creating Agathaea amelloides in 1836.
Finally, Linnaeus’ specimen was moved by Andreas Voss, who so created Felicia amelloides, the currently recognised name. Meanwhile, Carl Thunberg had collected another specimen which he named Aster rotundifolius in 1800. In 1833 Nees van Esenbeck reassigned Thunberg’s plant and created Agathaea capensis. William Henry Harvey Aster capensis var. rotundifolius in 1865. In his 1973 Revision of the genus Felicia (Asteraceae), Jürke Grau regarded all of these names as synonymous. The species is the Type species of the section Neodetris.
Aster capensis is a synonym for Felicia aethiopica, not of F. amelloides.
The species epithet amelloides means “like Amellus”, which is a similar genus that also occurs in South Africa. Felicia amelloides has several common names including blue felicia, bush felicia, blue felicia bush, blue daisy bush, shrubby felicia, Paris daisy, and blue marguerite in English and bloumagriet or blou-astertjie in Afrikaans. The use of these names is not necessarily restricted to F. amelloides though.
Felicia amelloides is an evergreen, rich and regularly branched, upright perennial, sometimes biennial, herbaceous plant with a woody base, of about 50 cm (1.6 ft), sometimes up to 1 m high. All of its leaves are oppositely arranged along the stem, are usually relatively large, 2–51⁄2 cm (3⁄4–2 in) long and 1–21⁄2 cm (0.4–1.0 in) wide, but strongly varying in size. They are elliptic to inverted egg-shaped, with a blunt or indistinctly pointy tip, an entire margin, and the leaves near the ground may have a short stalk.
The leaves are stiff and leathery and feel sandpapery, due to a covering of short bristle-like hairs. Each leaf has one to three conspicuous veins, its margins are curled downwards. The upper surface is dark green, but the underside is lighter.
The flower heads are about 3 cm (1+1⁄5 in) across and sit individually on top of green to dark reddish, about 18 cm (7 in) long, densely hairy stalks. The involucre is 5–7 mm (0.20–0.28 in) in diameter, and consist of two strict rows of bracts of 8–11 mm (0.31–0.43 in) long. The outer bracts are 1–2 mm (0.039–0.079 in) wide, narrowly inverted lance-shaped with rough and sometimes also glandular hairs. The inner bracts are 2–3 mm (0.079–0.118 in) wide, inverted lance-shaped, with dry papery edges.
The approximately twelve, bright blue, female ray florets have a strap of about 17 mm (0.67 in) long and 4 mm (0.16 in) wide. These surround many bisexual, disc florets with a yellow corolla of about 4 mm (0.16 in) long. In the center of each corolla are five anthers merged into a tube, through which the style grows when the floret opens, hoovering up the pollen on its shaft. At the tip of both style branches is a triangular appendage. Around the base of the corolla are many white, toothed, persistent pappus bristles of about 4 mm (0.16 in) long, which become slightly wider towards the top.
The eventually dark brown, dry, one-seeded, indehiscent fruits called cypselae are inverted egg-shaped, about 4 mm (0.16 in) long and 2 mm (0.079 in) wide, the surface slightly scaly, and covered with short hairs.
Felicia amelloides is a diploid having nine sets of homologous chromosomes (2n=18).
The blue daisy can be distinguished from other Felicia species by the fact that all its leaves are opposite, with an entire margin, the plants have a very regular branching, and the involucral bracts are very long. Other Felicia species with only opposite leaves are F. denticulata, F. cymbalariae (toothed leaves), F. joubertinae (small and narrow leaves) and F. flaneganii (small, obovate, petioled leaves).
II. How to Grow and Care
Sunlight and Soil
Blue daisy is easily grown in average, well-drained soils in full sun. Water regularly, but moderately, especially during the dry season. Avoid wet soils. This plant thrives in poor, well-drained soils. Dislikes hot and humid summers.
Watering
Thriving in its native habitat of coastal regions, blue daisy has adapted to environments with regular moisture. It exhibits a preference for consistent hydration but can tolerate brief dry spells. Watering every week will maintain its lush growth and vibrant blooms. Typically grown outdoors due to its need for ample sunlight, blue daisy flourishes when the soil is kept evenly moist, especially during its active growing season.
Fertilizing
For optimal health, blue daisy benefits from a high phosphorus fertilizer to support robust bloom production. Fertilize every 2-4 weeks during the growing season, tapering off in fall. Use a balanced, water-soluble blend, applying at half-strength to prevent over-feeding. Seasonal adjustments ensure blue daisy receives proper nutrients. Avoid fertilizing dormant winter plants. Implementing these practices promotes vigorous growth and a stunning floral display.
Propagation
Ideal for garden enthusiasts, blue daisy can be propagated effectively through cutting. Start with healthy, non-flowering shoots for best results. Snip a segment about 4-6 inches long, making sure to include several leaf nodes. Strip the leaves from the lower half of the cutting and dip the end into a rooting hormone to enhance root development. Plant the cutting in a well-draining soil mix and keep it humid until roots establish. With proper care, these cuttings can develop into flourishing new blue daisy plants, ensuring a continuous display of its vibrant blue blooms.
Transplanting
The optimal time to transplant blue daisy is during the heart of spring, as stable temperatures promote root establishment. Choose a sunny spot with well-draining soil, and ensure regular watering post-transplant to encourage growth.
Repotting
Best in spring, blue daisy should be repotted every 2-3 years to accommodate its bushy growth habit and maintain vigor. Choose a pot one size larger for sustainable development. After repotting, provide bright, indirect light and avoid overwatering. Fertilize lightly to encourage robust growth of this delightful, flowering favorite.
III. Uses and Benefits
Blue daisy is great for beds and borders, edging, city gardens, cottage gardens, Mediterranean gardens, rock gardens, or containers.
