Gazania
the flower with heart.
Gazanias are they weeds or a respectable addition to the Australian garden? Originally from South Africa the gazania has taken well to the South Australian climate. This is mainly due to it's ability to withstand limited rainfall and hot weather, (it is a very water wise plant). This plant can be teribbly invasive growing on the roadside and taking over garden beds.
I however love the gazania. I admire it's adaptability and I especially love the amazing colours and patterns within the plant. In gardens where water is limited, the days hot
Gazania good points.
+ They are a water wise plant that
tolerates drought very well.
+ Low maintenance a little bit of fertilizer
once a year.
+ Fantastic colour.
+ Great for erosion control
Gazania bad points
- Invasive, can take over
- Don't like a lot of frost
Gazania Growing tips.
Gazanias will propigate easily from seed
or you can propigate from 'soft-tip' cuttings.
They prefer well drained soil and do well in costal settings.
Gazanias and Ultra-violet light
The patterns in the gazania flowers are amazing, but more amazing still is the fact that the patterns also have a role in the non-visable light spectrums. Gazanias have patterns in the UV realm which are thought to attract pollinators. It is also believed that some flowers can change the UV patterns to display differently for pre-pollination and post pollination. By the way can you see the hearts in some of the flowers?
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