24 Types of Daisies You Need To Know for Your Home Garden

There are numerous types of daisies you can plant to fill your gardens with joy and color, including an abundant variety from the familiar English daisy to lesser-known types. Whether you love daisies for their simplicity or vibrant pops of color, this guide covers different daisy groupings to uncover the kinds you may want to grow. We’ll identify features that distinguish each type, from the cheerful Shasta daisy with its massive head of yellow petals to the petite yet stunning Marguerite daisy.

So if you’re already enamored with these simple yet splendid flowers or want to expand your daisy knowledge, discover the diversity and richness within this deceptively “common” genus with us.

Types of Daisies To Bring Beautiful Color to Your Garden

1. Shasta Daisy

The Shasta daisy (Leucanthemum x superbum) is a beloved favorite for its large, bright white blossoms. The Shasta daisy earned its name because its oversized flowers resemble Mount Shasta in California, its place of origin. Native English daisies have been crossed with this hybrid vigor over many generations, creating an enduring symbol of the English garden.

Shasta daisies thrive in nutrient-poor soil that is well drained, requiring little attention beyond occasional deadheading to extend their vibrant display. The somewhat fuzzy, gray-green foliage forms a clump or basal rosette that rises upward as the stalks elongate, bearing flowers. The leaves are typically several inches long and shallowly lobed.

They have a slightly aromatic odor when crushed. Shasta daisies grow best in full sun but can tolerate some shade, especially in hotter climates. Plant the Shasta daisies in well-drained soil that is fairly poor in nutrients. They prefer slightly alkaline conditions but will tolerate various soil pH levels.

Provide the plants with adequate space, spacing individual daisies 12 to 18 inches apart. Shasta daisies benefit from being divided every three to five years to keep them vigorous. Simply lift and separate the clumps in fall or very early spring before new growth begins.

Adding a layer of organic mulch around the base of shasta daisy plants in spring can help conserve moisture and suppress weeds. Fertilizing once or twice per growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer may further boost growth. Tall stakes may be needed to support the flower stalks of large cultivars because they are prone to flopping under their weight.

2. Gerbera Daisy

The colorful gerbera daisy (gerbera jamesonii) originated in South Africa and features large composite blooms in shades of red, orange, pink, and yellow. The bright petals are actually individual ray florets surrounding a dome-shaped center of disk florets. Their bright coloration and large size make gerbera daisies a staple in flower arrangements. The blooms range from two to six inches wide and sit atop long, sparse stems that can grow up to two feet tall.

The plant forms a basal rosette of distinctly opposite, stalkless, lance-shaped leaves that grow up to 12 inches long. The foliage is dark bluish-green and somewhat leathery in texture. New leaves emerge from the center of the rosette with each flower stem produced. Gerbera daisies respond well to pruning, which encourages branching and more blooms. Simply trim off stem tips after flowers have faded to induce additional growth.

To grow gerbera daisies outdoors in colder climates, plant them in fertile, well-drained soil in a spot with full sun to partial shade. Provide support for the long flower stalks as needed to prevent flopping.

In addition, to cut flowers and potted plants, gerbera daisies can be grown in beds, borders, and containers for a prolonged show of colorful blooms through the growing season. The bare stems and large blooms give them a wild, almost exotic appearance that instantly brightens any garden space.

3. Oxeye Daisy

The oxeye daisy (Leucanthemum vulgare) is a common wildflower native to Europe and northern Asia with plain white petals surrounding a yellow center. Also called the marguerite daisy, the oxeye daisy spreads aggressively through underground rhizomes and grows as a weed in lawns, meadows, and along roadsides.

The upright stems can grow up to three feet tall, towering over grass and producing dense clusters of composite flowers at the top. Several methods may be effective for controlling oxeye daisies in undesired areas. Hand pulling can remove individual plants or small patches before they flower and spread seeds.

However, due to the extensive root system and rhizomes, follow-up monitoring is important to catch any regrowth. Mowing before plants flower is also recommended to deplete the energy reserves in the roots and rhizomes. Herbicides containing dicamba or 2,4-D are options for large infestations but may require multiple applications.

In a wildflower garden or meadow setting, oxeye daisies can provide nectar for pollinators and add colorful patches of contrasting yellow and white. The trick is integrating them to prevent them from completely taking over. Strategic clumping and dividing every few years to keep rhizomes from spreading helps maintain oxeye daisies as a beautiful but manageable landscape component.

4. African Daisy

The African daisy (dimorphotheca sinuata), also known as a cape daisy, is a cheerful native of south africa. These clumping perennials produce small yellow, orange, or white daisy-like blooms that attract beneficial insects to the garden. The rounded flower heads measure about one and a half inches across and have prominent yellow disks surrounded by flat ray flowers looking rather like mini sunflowers.

African daisies are drought-tolerant once established and thrive in hot, dry conditions. The fine, ferny foliage of the African daisy forms low, mounded bushes that reach 6 to 12 inches tall. The leaves are pale green, linear, and divided into small, threadlike lobes. These plants prefer rocky, well-drained soil with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH. They are naturally adapted to nutrient-poor soils and do not require fertile conditions or excessive moisture.

Deadhead spent blossoms as they fade to make room for new buds. African daisies seldom require pruning beyond removing dead or damaged leaves. However, they may be cut back quite low, almost to the crown, in late winter before new growth begins. It can induce fuller, bushier regrowth and more flowers the following season.

African daisies make excellent low-maintenance, drought-tolerant additions to sunny rock gardens and gravelly areas. They thrive in gritty, well-draining soil conditions between stepping stones and pavers. The long bloom time and extreme durability make African daisies excellent choices for hot, sunny borders.

5. Marguerite Daisy

The marguerite daisy (artemisia frutescens) is a colorful hybrid species originally bred in France and later Russia. These dwarf perennials produce masses of plain or quilled orange, yellow and white petals with distinctive black centers. The intricate blooms resemble those of oxeye daisies but have a more elegant form and finer texture.

In warmer zones, marguerite daisies typically bloom continually from spring through fall. In comparison, they take a summer rest in colder zones before resuming flower production in late summer or early fall. Several compact cultivars have been developed that maintain a low mounding habit and keep lush foliage from encroaching on neighboring plants. Overall height typically ranges from 6 to 12 inches.

The finely textured, ferny foliage of marguerite daisies is made up of delicate, green leaves divided into fine lobes and emit a mild fragrance when crushed. The plants thrive in average, well-drained soil with full sun exposure but can tolerate some shade. They are drought resistant once established and require little care or fertilizer.

During the summer blooming period, compact clusters of bright yellow, orange, and white daisy flowers emerge on short stems above the mat-forming foliage. Individual blooms measure about one and a half inches across and feature 1 to 12 golden yellow ray petals surrounding an erect green cone with showy black disks. The blooms’ small yet prolific nature creates a vibrant flower carpet over the low-profile plants.

The densely packed, mounded form and varied flower color of marguerite daisies make them an excellent choice for edging along walkways and patio stones. The plants are long-lived and tolerant of tough conditions, adding visual interest and cheery color to hot, sunny gardens nearly year-round.

6. Coneflower Daisy

Also known as echinacea or purple coneflower, the coneflower daisy (echinacea purpurea) is well known for its showy petals and medicinal properties. The large composite blooms in shades of pink, purple, and red rise above clumps of coarse green foliage native to North America.

The flowers of coneflower daisies typically range from three to five inches wide and have drooping ray florets surrounding a central cone made of disk florets. There are many cultivars with different flower colors, from white to pink to red and purple, as well as variations in ray floret width and shape.

Coneflower daisies thrive in nutrient-poor soil with good drainage and light watering, making them excellent for drought-tolerant plantings. They form upright clumps of stiff, rough-textured green leaves that are lance-shaped and grow up to 10 inches long. The plants typically grow two to four feet tall and produce many long-lasting blooms from midsummer to early fall.

There are a variety of cultivars available with different bloom colors and sizes. Some have narrowly drooping petals, while others have wider, quilled ray florets. All of these varieties offer nectar and habitat for beneficial insects, as well as visual color and interest year-round with their seed heads. Coneflower daisies are versatile additions to wildflower gardens, meadow plantings, and drought-tolerant landscaping.

7. Crown Daisy

The crown daisy (synsphyton ramosum) is an unusual perennial flower native to South Africa. Characterized by large daisy-like blooms with a central “crown” of tiny tubular florets, crown daisies produce yellow, orange, and red flowers.

The rounded growth habit forms mounded clumps that sit close to the ground, making crown daisies excellent candidates for rock gardens. Once established, these heat-loving plants are drought-tolerant and thrive in nutrient-poor soils with good drainage.

8. Easter Daisy

The easter daisy (Townsendia incana) is a lovely perennial flower indigenous to North America. As the name suggests, the cheerful yellow blooms resembling little daisies herald the arrival of spring. Easter daisies form tight clumps of wooly grey-green foliage and produce abundant stems dotted with pale yellow ray flowers.

These low-growing plants thrive in lean, well-drained soil and tolerate drought conditions once established. Though native to rocky mountain foothills, easter daisies adapt well to typical garden conditions and can self-sow readily.

9. Gaillardia Daisy

The gaillardia or blanket flower (gaillardia aristata) is a cheerful native daisy of North America. The colorful flowers resemble clumps of small daisy blooms in yellow, red, and coppery bronze shades. Gaillardia is well suited to xeric plantings and flourishes in hot, dry conditions with lean soils and minimal water requirements once established. The textured, lobed foliage forms a mounded bush underneath the flowering stems that rise above the leaves.

Several cultivated varieties offer continuous bloom and a range of flower sizes. Blanket flowers attract beneficial insects to the garden and provide seeds for birds through fall and winter. Removing faded blooms will help Gaillardia rebloom well into fall. The statuesque domes of colorful small daisy flowers atop a rounded mound of foliage give gaillardia their cheerful disposition.

10. Gloriosa Daisy

The gloriosa daisy (rudbeckia fulgida) is a cheerful native perennial of North America. The large blossoms resemble black-eyed susans with golden yellow petals and dark brown centers. Gloriosa daisies thrive in lean, well-drained soils and tolerate drought conditions once established. Several cultivars exist, including ‘Goldsturm,’ which produces double flowers atop statuesque stems.

The lobed, alternate leaves form dense clumps of foliage that disappear underneath the tall flowering stems. Gloriosa daisies attract butterflies and beneficial insects to the garden with their nectar-rich blooms. Removing faded blooms will rebloom and compact habits. The cheerful, sunflower-like blooms in shades of bright yellow and rich browns atop sturdy stems make gloriosa daisies a reliable addition to perennial borders and wildflower meadows.

11. Montauk Daisy

The montauk daisy (nipponanthemum nipponicum) is a compact flower native to Japan. The rounded clusters of small white daisy blooms sit atop mounded foliage in shades of green, purple, and bronze. Montauk daisies thrive in warm, dry conditions with lean soils and benefit from good air circulation. The finely textured leaves form a dense mound topped with cheerfully daisy-like flowers in spring and summer.

Several distinctive cultivars have been developed, offering different leaf colors and compact spreading habits. Removing faded blooms will help maintain form and encourage new flowers. The rounded mounds of color created by cheerful daisy flowers atop finely textured foliage in shades of green, purple, and bronze give montauk daisies an ease of style well suited to smaller gardens.

12. Nippon Daisy

The Nippon daisy (nipponanthemum nipponicum) is an adorable flower native to Japan. They produce cheerful clusters of tiny white daisy blooms atop mounds of finely textured foliage. Nippon daisies thrive in warm, dry conditions and benefit from well-drained soil and good air circulation. Several distinctive cultivars have been developed offering differences in leaf color and form from upright mounds to more trailing varieties.

The foliage ranges in color from green to bronze to purple tones, providing contrast to the white daisy flowers. Removing faded blooms will maintain form and encourage more flowering. The tiny daisy flowers, affectionately called “cheerio daisies,” clustered on finely textured foliage, give Nippon daisies their charming, elegant style well suited to the front of borders, containers, and rock gardens.

13. Painted Daisy

The painted daisy (pyrola asarifolia) is a charming wildflower native to Europe and northern Asia. Large pink buds reveal white-petaled flowers with deep maroon stems and leaf stalks. Painted daisies emerge in early spring with a burst of color and go dormant again through the hot midsummer months.

The thick, leathery leaves form a dense basal rosette and hug close to the ground. This daisy flourishes in cool, shaded areas with moist, acidic soils rich in leaf litter and organic matter. The bright contrast of cheerful white blooms atop maroon-tinged foliage gives painted daisies their namesake.

While occasionally spreading via underground runners, painted daisies are generally short-lived perennials. The cheerful clusters of white daisy flowers and contrasting deep maroon foliage of the painted daisy make these charming wildflowers welcome additions to shaded woodland gardens and native plantings.

14. Rudbeckia

The rudbeckia genus encompasses the black-eyed Susan, brown-eyed Susan, and gloriosa daisy. These cheerful north american flowers feature golden yellow petals surrounding dark brown centers. Rudbeckia thrives in average soil with adequate drainage and attracts butterflies and beneficial insects.

The lobed leaves form dense clumps of foliage that disappear underneath the branching stems that hold the daisy blooms. Removing faded blooms will extend the blooming period and rebloom. Several cultivated varieties offer longer bloom times and make excellent additions to the perennial border.

The mounded forms, dense clusters of sunflower-like daisy flowers in shades of yellow and brown atop sturdy stems, and ability to thrive in average soil conditions make rudbeckia reliable and long blooming additions to sunny gardens.

15. Star Daisy

The star daisy (sterthelium monogram) is an indigenous daisy of South Africa. The rounded clusters of tiny white, yellow, and orange blooms resembling stars sit atop mounded clumps of grey-green foliage. Star daisies thrive in warm, dry conditions with lean soil and good drainage — tolerating drought once established. Though summer is dormant in colder zones, star daisies bloom again in spring and continue through fall if deadheaded.

The finely textured foliage forms dense clumps topped with cheerfully starry daisy flowers. The starry clusters of cheerful yellow, white, and orange daisy flowers blooming atop the mounded clumps of finely textured grey-green foliage give star daisies their charming, easygoing style well suited to the front of borders, rock gardens, and containers.

16. Yellow Daisy

The term yellow daisy describes a variety of daisy flowers in shades of lemon, gold, and amber. These cheerful flowers may belong to different species but share the common qualities of yellow blooms and daisy-like shapes. Yellow daisies typically perform best in full sun and well-drained soil with adequate moisture during establishment.

Most yellow daisy varieties attract beneficial insects and butterflies with their ample nectar stores. Their cheerful disposition and ability to thrive in average garden conditions make yellow daisies reliable additions to perennial borders, meadows, and cottage gardens.

17. Blue Daisy

Blue daisy is a common name referring to several species of flowers with blue petals and a daisy-like shape. These cheery blue blooms typically prefer full sun, good drainage, and average soil fertility. The fine to medium texture of blue daisy foliage forms basal rosettes, upright clumps, or trailing mats, depending on the variety.

Removing spent blooms will maintain form and promote rebloom. Several species of blue daisies show good cold tolerance and make long blooming additions to late spring and summer gardens.

18. Seaside Daisy

The seaside daisy (Armeria maritima) is an iconic wildflower native to coastal regions. Synonymous with the English seaside, the cheerful clusters of bright pink daisy flowers hug close to sandy coasts.

In bloom from spring through fall, seaside daisies form dense cushion-like mounds of leathery green foliage. These lime-avoiding plants thrive in sandy, alkaline soil and tolerate coastal conditions like salt spray and wind exposure.

19. Thymeleaf Daisy

The thyme leaf daisy (thymophylla tenuiloba) is a pretty wildflower native to the American Southwest. The plant forms small rosettes of needle-like grey-green foliage, and they emerge in spring and shrink into dormancy through the summer heat. Bright yellow daisy flowers appear atop wiry stems rising from the foliage rosettes. These hardy plants thrive in dry, rocky soils and tolerate hot, arid conditions once established.

Several species of thyme leaf daisy exist, showing slight differences in range and habitat. The needle-like evergreen foliage forms low rosettes adapted for reduced moisture, while flat yellow daisy blooms spring from within during brief periods of rainfall. The cheery yellow color form of thyme leaf daisy gives these small southwest blooms a charming simplicity well suited to rock gardens.

20. California Poppy Daisy

The California poppy daisy (echolalia californica) is a cheerful wildflower native to the American West Coast. Forming upright clumps of lobed, green basal leaves, California poppy daisies emerge in spring and blanket dry hillsides and meadows with cheerful orange blooms.

The flat petals of California poppy daisies radiate from yellow centers like miniature sunbursts. These hardy plants thrive in clean, alkaline soil and tolerate hot, arid conditions once established. Several cultivars offer flower colors ranging from white to gold to orange.

21. English Daisy

The English daisy (Bellis perennis) is an iconic wildflower native to the meadows and pastures of Europe. The clusters of single, white-petaled blooms with yellow centers rise tall above the green, lobed basal leaves. This cheerful flower flourishes in typical garden conditions and self-sows freely, spreading quickly through underground stolons.

Though English daisies are low-maintenance perennials, they require somewhat moist soil to produce abundant blossoms. Deadheading spent flowers will encourage another flush of bright blooms through late spring and summer. The elegant simplicity and cheerful demeanor make them a longstanding favorite for English cottage gardens and flower beds.

22. Black-Eyed Susan

The black-eyed Susan (rudbeckia hirta) is a bright, cheerful wildflower native to North America. Clusters of sunflower-like yellow petals with dark brown centers bloom in summer and attract beneficial insects. Black-eyed susans thrive in lean soils with good drainage but adapt well to average garden conditions. The coarse textured foliage forms a loose, upright clump that is attractive in its own right but disappears once the flowers emerge.

Various cultivars have been developed for compact habitats, larger blooms, and different bloom times. Remove spent blossoms before seeds form for prolonged flowering, or welcome the seed heads for winter interest. The cheerful appearance and hardiness of black-eyed susans make them a reliable addition to perennial borders and wildflower gardens.

23. Paris Daisy

The Paris daisy (chrysanthemum frutescens) is a popular flowering perennial in shades of yellow and white. Native to Asia, the little clusters of double blooms resembling pom poms sit atop a compact mound of grey-green foliage. Paris daisies thrive in warm, dry conditions and benefit from well-drained soil and good air circulation. The finely textured foliage forms a dense mat with cheerfully double daisy flowers.

Several refined cultivars have been bred, offering uniform habits and improved cold hardiness. Removing faded blooms will help maintain form and encourage more flowers. The compact habit, tidy double blooms resembling pom poms atop finely textured foliage give Paris daisies an elegant style that is well suited to the front of borders, containers, and rock gardens.

24. Desert Daisy

Desert daisies refer to a variety of small wildflowers native to dry, arid regions. These colorful daisies feature flat blooms in various shades and thrive under hot, dry conditions. Desert daisies typically grow in small mounds or clumps,with hairy foliage adapted for reduced moisture.

Several species of desert daisies are drought tolerant once established and require minimal irrigation, making them ideal for Xeriscape plantings. While overwatering should be avoided, daisies benefit from occasional rainfall or light irrigation during blooming.

Conclusion

While basic care and growing requirements are similar, each daisy type offers a unique perspective on this cheerful flower. Together, they represent the timeless simplicity and lighthearted joy that daisy flowers bring to gardens everywhere.

• Crown daisies begin blooming in early summer and may continue until the first hard frost with occasional deadheading.
• Gloriosa daisies attract butterflies and beneficial insects to the garden with their nectar-rich blooms.
• Seaside daisies spread slowly via underground rhizomes, forming low-ground covers across dunes and beaches.
• The thyme leaf daisy (thymophylla tenuiloba) is a charming wildflower native to the American Southwest.

The next time you feel weighed down by life’s demands, consider planting daisies in your own space — their cheerful abundance and hardiness will offer simplicity, optimism, and color when you need it most. With daisies in your garden, you’re guaranteed a perpetual bloom of happiness!

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