Gazania rigensTreasure Flower

Gazania rigens, the Treasure Flower, is a low South African mat-former of 0.15 to 0.3 metres whose large daisy flowers open in sun in shades of orange, yellow, cream and bronze. The leaves are dark green above and densely silver-felted beneath, which is part of how the plant handles heat and wind.

It is one of the most reliable groundcovers for hot exposed ground, holding verges, embankments and coastal dune edges on very little water.

Specifications

• Height0.15 to 0.3 metres
• Width0.3 to 0.5 metres
• Native toSouth Africa
• FoliageLance-shaped leaves, dark green above with a dense silver-white felt beneath; evergreen
• Growth rateFast

Conditions

• SoilPrefers sandy, sharply drained soils and performs well in poor ground
• LightFull sun
• WaterLow; drought-tolerant once established
• ClimateThrives in Mediterranean, subtropical, coastal and arid regions

Additional Features

• FlowersLarge daisy flowers in orange, yellow, cream and bronze, opening in sun from spring to autumn
• UsesIdeal for mass groundcover, embankments, road verges, coastal dune-edge planting and containers
• SpacingPlant 0.25 to 0.35 metres apart for a closed mat
• Low MaintenanceShear after the main flush to keep the mat dense
• Pest ResistanceGenerally sound; avoid overwatering, which causes collapse
• Drought ToleranceHolds colour and cover on minimal irrigation
• Salt ToleranceTolerates coastal exposure and salt-laden wind
• Erosion ControlBinds loose sandy soil on slopes and verges

The Treasure Flower is the low-water groundcover of choice for hot, sunny, exposed ground where colour is still expected.