Gazania rigens New Day Red Shades - Treasure flower

Gazania 'New Day Red Shades' is part of a series of gazanias selected for their compact habit, drought tolerance, and larger daisy-like flowers with more uniform colours. The flowers of this variety display shades of red and then orange. This tender perennial is usually grown as an annual. Gazanias, which have fallen out of fashion, are exceptional for their long-lasting and strikingly beautiful flowering. They are excellent flowers for hanging baskets, containers, rock gardens, and dry banks.

Gazania rigens, also known as treasure flower, belongs to the Asteraceae family. It is found throughout tropical and southern Africa. It is a fast-growing perennial, cultivated as an annual in Europe. The 'New Day Red Shades' cultivar forms a low, well-branched, and neat mound, about 20 to 25cm (8 to 10in) in all directions. The plant forms a tight cluster of non-lobed, leathery leaves that are medium green on top with a greyer underside. From May to October, it produces short stems, each carrying a solitary and terminal inflorescence called a head. Each head has a double row of alternate ligulate florets, which are initially red before turning orange. At the base of each ligule, a small rusty-brown motif bordered in black is visible. The small, tubular florets give a velvety appearance to the central yellow-orange disk. Note that gazania flowers only open in full sun.

Gazania 'New Day Red Shades' can be scattered in small patches, along well-drained borders or on a sunny bank, combined with taller, monochrome plants such as small grasses (stipa, carex), garden marigolds, nepetas, or dusty millers. They enhance the beauty of dry banks by accentuating their contours. Likewise, they are perfect in containers or flower beds that adorn a patio. Beginner or busy gardeners will appreciate them for both their beauty and simplicity. They are not demanding regarding soil conditions, as long as the soil is well-drained, and they can withstand long periods of drought. However, their flowering will decline if water is scarce.

Please be aware that our young plug plants are professional products intended for experienced gardeners. Upon receipt, repot and store them under cover (veranda, greenhouse, cold frame) at a temperature above 14°C (57.2°F) for a few weeks before planting them outdoors, once the risk of frost has definitely passed.