Daisies come in a wide variety of colors. While the classic white daisy with a yellow center is the most well-known, daisies actually come in many different hues ranging from white and cream to yellow, orange, pink, red, and purple. The flower’s colorful palette is one of the reasons daisies are such popular blooms to give as gifts or to plant in gardens. Their cheery disposition represents happiness and sunshine.
In this article, we will take a deep dive into the different colors that daisies can have. We will explore some of the most common daisy varieties in each color family and look at what gives the flowers their vibrant hues. Whether you are looking to give a colorful daisy bouquet or want to fill your garden with a rainbow of daisies, read on to learn more about the broad color spectrum found in these bright blooms.
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White Daisies
White daisies are the classic daisy that most people imagine when they think of these flowers. The white petals and bright yellow centers are iconic. Here are some of the most popular white daisy varieties:
Common Daisy
The common daisy (Bellis perennis) is a wildflower native to Europe and Asia that has naturalized in many parts of North America. It has small white petals surrounding a golden yellow disc center. Common daisies have a minimalist beauty about them with their simple white and yellow coloration. These tough flowers grow well in lawns and fields.
Shasta Daisy
Shasta daisies (Leucanthemum x superbum) are a popular perennial known for their large, white petals and bright yellow eyes. They were developed as a hybrid between the common European daisy and other Leucanthemum species. Shasta daisies can grow up to 3-4 inches across, making a big impact in the garden. The long blooming flowers add a cheerful presence from early through late summer.
Gerbera Daisy
Though not technically a true daisy, the Gerbera daisy (Gerbera jamesonii) is still commonly referred to by the daisy moniker. It has intricate white petals that surround a prominent yellow center. Native to Africa, the Gerbera daisy is now a beloved flower across the globe thanks to its long vase life and ability to brighten up any space with its white rays and pollen-filled core.
Cream & Yellow Daisies
Moving beyond basic white, daisies also come in paler cream shades and bright golden yellow hues:
English Daisy
English daisies (Bellis perennis), also called lawn daisies, are a variety of the common daisy native to England. They have pale cream-colored petals instead of white. Their softer color gives them a delicate, romantic appearance. English daisies grow well in grass and look darling dotted amongst green lawns.
Coppertone Stonecrop
Coppertone stonecrop (Sedum ‘Coppertone’) offers yellow daisy-like blooms on trailing stems. This perennial has succulent leaves tinged in reddish-bronze. Its star-shaped flowers emerge in late spring and open to reveal bright yellow centers. Coppertone stonecrop thrives in hot, dry conditions and is drought tolerant once established.
English Wallflower
The English wallflower (Erysimum cheiri) is an herbaceous perennial that blooms with fragrant, golden yellow daisy-like flowers in spring. They have a spicy, clove-like scent. Though short-lived in the garden, English wallflowers self-seed readily so you’ll enjoy their sunny color year after year. The flowers last well as cut blooms.
Orange Daisies
Orange daisies add a bold, bright touch to bouquets and garden beds. Here are some top picks:
African Daisy
African daisies (Osteospermum species), also called Cape daisies, come in a spectrum of colors including vivid oranges. Hybrid African daisies bloom profusely in shades like tangerine, coral, and pumpkin. Their flowers have a sunburst pattern with dark centers. African daisies are tender perennials hardy in zones 9-11 but they make excellent annuals in cooler climates.
Gerbera Daisy
We saw the versatile Gerbera daisy earlier in white, but this flower also comes in brilliant warm shades like orange. Look for Gerbera daisy varieties like ‘Macarena’ and ‘Orange Flame’ to brighten your garden or flower arrangements. The large, showy blooms with ruffled petals make a statement.
English Marigold
English marigolds (Tagetes patula) produce dense pom pom-like flowers in sunset colors ranging from pale yellow to deep orange. Popular varieties include ‘Disco’ with its burnt orange blooms. Though they lack the classic daisy shape, English marigolds are still commonly referred to as daisies in some regions. The edible flowers have a citrusy flavor.
Pink & Red Daisies
Pink daisies lend a soft, romantic feel while bold red varieties make dynamic statements. Here are some top picks for each hue:
Pink Quill
Pink quill (Tillandsia cyanea) offers airy curved daisy-like blooms in a striking fuchsia-pink color. A type of bromeliad, pink quill has long tapering leaves that curve downwards creating a fun, sculptural look. The tropical plant thrives indoors in bright, indirect light. Its vivid pink flowers bloom in spring and summer.
Gerbera Daisy
Gerbera daisies really show off their color range when you look at the many pink varieties available. From pale pink ‘Miss Candy Cane’ to bold hot pink ‘Pink Haze’, these fun flowers are sure to please. The large, long-lasting blooms on long stems are perfect for bouquets.
Red Valerian
Also called Jupiter’s beard, red valerian (Centranthus ruber) produces clusters of tiny, star-shaped red flowers that resemble miniature daisies. A hardy perennial, red valerian blooms from late spring to fall with pretty crimson flower heads. Excellent in borders and cottage gardens, red valerian also attracts pollinators.
Purple Daisies
Regal purple daisies in deep hues are always a showstopper:
Michaelmas Daisy
Michaelmas daisy (Aster novae-angliae and hybrids) blooms in fall when few other perennials are in flower. The colorful daisy-like blooms come in rich shades of purple and violet. With its late season blossoms and nectar, Michaelmas daisy is a vital food source for pollinators like bees and butterflies. Popular varieties include the deep purple ‘Hella Lacy’.
Cape Daisy
The Cape daisy (Osteospermum species), also called African daisy, includes some stellar purple varieties. Check out cultivars like ‘Passion Mix’, ‘Moody Blues’, and ‘Purple Mountain Majesty’. These spreading perennials or annuals bloom heavily with vivid purple daisy flowers all season long. They work well in containers and garden beds.
Purple Coneflower
Though commonly referred to as coneflowers, Echinacea purpurea varieties are also grouped with daisies. These hardy perennials are native to North America and produce large blooms with down-turned purple petals surrounding a spiky bronze cone. Popular varieties include ‘Magnus’ and ‘Kim’s Knee High’. The flowers are magnets for butterflies.
Colorful Daisy Varieties
Some special daisy varieties sport more than one vibrant hue on the same flower for a fun, striped effect:
| Variety Name | Color(s) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Gloriosa Daisy ‘Irish Eyes’ | Yellow centers with red-tipped white petals | This Rudbeckia has striking bi-colored blooms. |
| Shasta Daisy ‘Crazy Daisy’ | Purple-streaked white petals with yellow centers | The wild streaks of color on the petals are unique. |
| Gerbera ‘Terracotta’ | Red-orange petals edged in yellow | The two-tone pattern reminds you of a sunset. |
| Painted Daisy ‘Floristan Violet’ | Violet and white striped petals | The striking contrast makes the colors pop. |
Growing Daisies in Your Garden
Now that you know about the many gorgeous daisy varieties out there, you may be inspired to grow some of these beauties in your own landscape. Here are some tips for successfully cultivating daisies:
Site Selection
Most daisies thrive best in full sun locations with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. Good airflow and drainage is key as overly wet soils can cause root rot. Daisies make great additions to flower beds, borders, and containers.
Soil Preparation
Prepare the planting area by loosening the soil and mixing in some compost or other organic material to enrich it. Most daisies like slightly acidic to neutral soil pH levels around 6.5-7.0.
Planting
Plant daisy transplants or seeds at the recommended spacing for the variety. Set the plant at the same soil level it was growing at in its container. Water well after planting to settle the roots. Apply mulch around the plants to conserve moisture.
Care
Provide regular water during the first growing season to establish daisy plants. Weed and fertilize lightly. Cut off spent blooms to encourage continuous flowering. Trim plants back in fall or divide large clumps to promote vigor. Protect less hardy varieties over winter.
Common Problems
Daisies are relatively hardy, but can be prone to issues like powdery mildew, leaf spots, root rot, and aphids. Maintain good garden sanitation and use organic sprays as needed. Avoid overwatering.
Enjoying Daisies
Daisies are such cheery, easygoing flowers. They look beautiful in gardens or cut flower arrangements and come in a rainbow of different hues. Whether you have a favorite go-to daisy or want to try some new varieties, these darling flowers are sure to bring you joy. We hope this overview gives you inspiration to plant and enjoy daisies of all colors! Let this versatile flower shine in your landscape with its wide range of bright whites, pinks, purples, oranges, and yellows.