Felicia amelloides

Felicia amelloides, commonly known as Blue Daisy, is a South African native plant with vibrant and long-lasting flowers. It blooms from summer into autumn, showcasing small daisy-like flowers about 4 cm across, with bright yellow centres encircled by sky-blue petals. These flowers are a magnet for bees and butterflies and are held aloft on leafless stems above the foliage of rough, hairy leaves. The plant reaches a height and width of 30-60 cm and is hardy, fast-growing and long-lived. It's wind and drought-resistant, requiring only moderate watering and minimal care to flourish. It's an excellent choice for various garden settings, including beds, borders and containers and is generally disease-free, although it's wise to watch for aphids.

For optimal growth, Felicia amelloides prefers average, well-drained soils in full sun. It tolerates poor soils well but should be kept away from wet conditions and does not enjoy hot and humid summers. Propagation can be done by seed or stem tip cuttings, with seeds sown indoors 6-8 weeks before the last spring frost date or directly outdoors in cooler summer climates around the last frost date.