The daisy is the picture of simple, cheerful charm — a ring of white petals around a sunny gold center. “Daisy” actually covers several different plants, from the little English daisy of lawns to the tall Shasta and the colorful gerbera.
Daisy at a glance
- Botanical name: Bellis perennis
- Family: Asteraceae
- Bloom season: spring to summer
- Symbolism: innocence, purity, and new beginnings
About the daisy
The classic daisy belongs to the aster family, whose flower heads are made of many tiny florets. The name comes from the Old English day’s eye, because the flower opens at dawn and closes at dusk. Different ‘daisies’ — English, oxeye, Shasta, gerbera, and African — suit everything from lawns to cutting gardens.
Daisy meaning and symbolism
The daisy symbolizes innocence, purity, and true love, and it’s April’s birth flower. Our daisy meaning guide has more.
Types of daisy
Popular varieties worth knowing:
- English daisy — the small lawn daisy
- Shasta daisy — tall, classic white-and-gold perennial
- Oxeye daisy — a wild meadow daisy
- Gerbera daisy — bold, colorful, florist favourite
- African daisy (Osteospermum) — vivid, daisy-like blooms
- Painted daisy — feathery leaves and pink-to-red flowers
How to grow and care for daisy
A few essentials keep this flower thriving:
- Grow in full sun with average, well-drained soil
- Water moderately once established
- Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms
- Divide perennial types like Shasta daisies every few years
- Many daisies are hardy perennials that return each year
Daisy FAQs
Are daisies perennials?
Many are. Shasta and oxeye daisies are hardy perennials that return each year, while gerbera daisies are often grown as annuals or tender perennials in cooler climates.
What is the difference between a daisy and a gerbera?
A gerbera is a type of daisy — a large, brightly colored member of the aster family native to South Africa, popular as a cut flower and more tender than the classic white daisy.
When do daisies bloom?
Most daisies bloom from late spring through summer, and regular deadheading can keep many types flowering for months.
Explore more
Browse more flower profiles, learn about flower meanings, or find your birth flower.