By Delilah Onofrey, Suntory Flowers
Photographs courtesy of Suntory Flowers
Native to Western Australia, brachyscomes are an underused, versatile bedding plant. Loaded with pretty, pastel daisies, plants are compact, bushy, and spreading. Discovered along the banks of the Swan River, they’re commonly called Swan River Daisy or cut leaf daisy for their fine foliage. The name brachyscome is Greek and means short hair. Like most daisies, they are part of the aster family.
Suntory Flowers offers a collection of brachyscomes called Surdaisy in four colors – Pink, White, Yellow and Mauve. While White and Mauve both have the dense, fine foliage, Pink has broader leaves and Yellow is more upright, like a short meadow. These plants also attract pollinators – bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
Hardy to USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 9-11, brachyscomes are mostly used as an annual. They can be planted in drifts, as a border in beds, or as an edging for rock gardens. They can also be planted in hanging baskets and containers. Plants withstand cool weather, heat, rain, and sun and will bloom continuously from March through October. The part of Australia they hail from is dryer with cooler nights. Hot and dry is better than hot and humid.
Growing Tips For Success
Plant in full sun to partial shade.
For in-ground plantings, Swan River Daisies do well in clay or sandy soil, as long as it’s well drained. Do not overwater.
For container plantings and hanging baskets, use a good premium potting mix. Ensure the pot has adequate drainage, so that the potting mix doesn’t become waterlogged.
Once plants are established, they need very little attention. Watering once or twice a week should be sufficient.
You can deadhead plants to extend flowering. They can also be cut back and will regenerate quickly.
A new year brings an opportunity to change things up. And annuals can be the throw pillows of our garden. Our friend Delilah has identified five new annuals to look for at your favorite plant retailer. click here. for an interesting article.
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