Care of the plant Gazania rigens or Treasure flower |
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The genus Gazania, family Asteraceae, comprises about 20 species of herbaceous plants native to southern Africa. Some species are: Gazania rigens, Gazania linearis, Gazania krebsiana, Gazania lichtensteinii, Gazania krebsiana. Common names: Treasure flower, Gem marigold. Scientific synonym: Gazania splendens. This species is native to South Africa and Mozambique. They are herbaceous perennial plants of tussock bearing that reach 35 cm (13.77") in height. The spatulate leaves are dark green on the upper surface and whitish on the underside. The flowers are up to 8 cm (3.14") in diameter and can be yellow, orange, white, red, pink, or various colors. They bloom in spring and summer. They are used in flowerbeds, borders, rockeries, to cover slopes and in pots for terraces, patios and balconies. Gazania rigens prefers full sun exposure to produce more flowers; they also grow in semi-shade but bloom less. They do not resist frost. They grow in any type of soil but prefer light, sandy soils with abundant organic matter. Water moderately all year long waiting for the substrate to dry. They resist drought well. During spring and summer, fertilize with mineral fertilizer every 3 weeks. Prune dry leaves and wilted flowers. They are quite resistant plants to the habitual plagues and diseases but sensitive to the excess of humidity; sometimes they are attacked by aphids. They are propagated from seeds sown in early spring or late winter and by division in fall or spring. |
Images of the plant Gazania rigens or Treasure flower |
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