Bellis' Mediterranean origins cause headaches for home gardeners when assessing frost hardiness. Find out here what the winter hardiness of daisies really has to do with it.
Are daisies (Bellis) hardy?
Bellis perennis (daisy) is hardy and can survive frost down to -34 degrees Celsius. As a biennial plant, it survives as a native rosette of leaves in the first year before flowering in the second year. Pre-grown Bellis hybrids require light winter protection.
Bellis perennis – the only one of its kind with frost tolerance
The genus Bellis brings together 12 species that are native to the Mediterranean region and are therefore sensitive to cold - with one exception. Only Bellis perennis (daisy) moved far away towards Central and Northern Europe. Over the course of evolution, the species has learned to survive frost and snow unscathed. The result is the picturesque flower carpets with which wild daisies delight us from spring to autumn.
Two-year-old and hardy – the ingenious survival strategy
Bellis perennis thrives in its homeland as a perennial. This attribute is the perfect starting point for persistent growth in our cold winter regions. In order to survive north of the Alps without injuries, the common daisy has developed an ingenious survival strategy:
- In the year of sowing: growth as a native leaf rosette with a frost hardiness of - 34 degrees Celsius
- The following year: shoots of upright, leafless flower stalks with terminal, individual flower heads
- After the first frost: flowers and leaves die and can be disposed of
Every daisy ensures its survival by sowing itself. Thanks to this strategy, the two-year-old mini-perennial simulates long-term growth, as is known from native perennials. In fact, after its single flowering period, a Bellis perennis passes the floral scepter on to the next generation.
Advanced Bellis are sensitive to cold – tips for protective measures
As part of the breeding of Bellis perennis, some of its robust winter hardiness has been lost. Colorful Bellis varieties with double flowers only have limited frost tolerance. In the bed and on the balcony, hybrids therefore rely on light winter protection, such as a cover of leaves and brushwood. Please cover the bucket and box with jute (€12.00 on Amazon), sheep's wool felt or bubble wrap.
Tip
If you regularly clean out everything that has faded on daisies, the picturesque flowering period will be significantly extended. If small flowers thrive as a large carpet of flowers, cut off the withered flowers in one go at the end of the main flowering period and you will be rewarded with autumnal re-blooming.
