Felicia amelloides

An evergreen, low-growing perennial that grows up to 50cm tall.

Bright blue daisy flowers with yellow centres bloom in abundance from spring to summer. Foliage is small green and ovate.

Prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It needs a light, sandy soil with good drainage but it will tolerate poorer soils. Plants tend to dislike hot and humid summers.

With suitable preparation and care, perennials will grow and flower well year after year. Young plants are easier to establish than larger ones. They will grow quickly when planted in autumn when soil is moist and warm. Always choose healthy, well grown plants and plant after autumn rains. On heavy soils, raise the level of beds and borders with extra topsoil and coarse pumice sand. Before planting, ensure the root ball is saturated and remove the planter pot with minimal root disturbance. Trim any broken roots and plant at the same level as in the container. Dig a hole twice the diameter of the root ball, press in and water once planted. Make sure plants are watered well until established if planting in a drier period. Plant with some general slow-release fertiliser and then every spring, apply organic fertiliser at a handful per square metre (e.g. blood and bone).

Planting too closely leads to spindly growth, poor flowering and eventual decline. In a well-planned border, flowering plants should just touch each other to create a full effect without overcrowding. Plant approximately 50cm apart.

Apply mulch annually to suppress weeds and conserve moisture. In spring, feed with a balanced fertiliser (e.g. blood and bone) at a handful per square metre. Through the flowering season, deadhead to encourage further flowering. This is easily done with a pair of shears.

Softwood cuttings can be taken in spring or late summer.

Attracts bees and other insect pollinators.

Felicias are visited by bees and small flying insects such as wasps and butterflies.

No pest and disease issues.

Perennial Garden