Sunday, July 29, 2007

One Striking Flower



Gazania rigens
'Daybreak Red Stripe'

Sometimes the most common perennials have the most striking flowers. An example is the Gazania rigens, or Treasure Flower. It is used in the Phoenix area as an annual in resort hotel flowerbeds and in housing development common areas, and the Daybreak Red Stripe is the most popular cultivar. It is also sold as Tiger Gazania.

The dozen or so Gazania plants I had in my garden, having finished their natural lifespan, died out this past spring, so I will reseed their beds this coming winter. The Gazania plants are the first flowers I get in very early spring, and I especially love the Red Stripe.

Gazanias, which strongly resemble daisies, do not work as cut flowers as daisies do because their stems are too short. In addition, the flowers close at sunset, and never even open on cloudy days, so they just won’t do in the house. What a shame.

13 comments:

Mark said...

Hi, That is certainly a splash of colour , you could almost cook your dinner on it, its looks that hot.
I think i might have seen your friend when she was here, i did wave to her....Lol

Cheers Mark

Christa said...

It's a striking flower, and very cheerful looking. I've heard of Ganzania before, but I hardly ever see them here. Lovely photo!

Anonymous said...

What a beautiful flower. So cheerful and vibrant. You always introduce me to new and wonderful flowers.
Sara from farmingfriends

Whyite said...

This flower certainly is a treasure! Such bold stripes.

RUTH said...

A stunning Gazania..sadly they don't do well for me as they need a sunnier garden than mine. I have heard of a new strain that opens with less sun so will keep an eye out for them.

Sparow said...

That is quite stunning. We tried to grow Gazania form seed once, but didn't have any luck at all. Perhaps there's a trick to it?

Jean said...

What great colors! You aren't going to miss this flower. Great picture!

Anonymous said...

I love those colors. The photo looks stunning with the background colors of your web page!

Jean Campbell said...

Beautiful! Haven't planted gazanias in years.
May be looking at more dry climate plants if we don't get REAL rain soon. Recent morning humidity of 90% with temp of 82, but rain keeps passing us by.

Anonymous said...

striking! love that red stripe! no wonder it's popular.
wonderfully taken. :)

Linda said...

What gorgeous markings and colours your gazinia has.

Unknown said...

wow the flower is having such bright colors. its looking very beautiful.

Diana LaMarre said...

Love that Gazania. It's too bad they close without sunlight because they would make a great bouquet.