Gazania 'Daybreak Red Stripe' (Gazania rigens 'Daybreak Red Stripe')

Gazania 'Daybreak Red Stripe' is a cultivar of the treasure flower (Gazania rigens), a South African native in the Asteraceae family. It's grown for its large, daisy-like flowers with bold red stripes that open in sunlight and close at night or on cloudy days.

Description

Low, clumping perennial (often grown as annual) 6–10 inches tall, spreading to 12 inches. Leaves are narrow, lance-shaped, dark green above, white-woolly beneath. Flowers are 3–4 inches across, bright yellow with a distinct red stripe on each ray petal, dark center disk. Blooms profusely from late spring to frost. Nyctinastic (closes at night).

Growing Conditions

• Zones: 9–11 as perennial; grown as annual elsewhere.
• Light: Full sun essential for flowering.
• Soil: Well-drained, sandy/gritty, poor to average. Rich soil reduces flowers.
• Water: Low; drought-tolerant. Overwatering causes rot.
• Temperature: Heat-loving; thrives in intense sun.

Care & Maintenance

Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms. No fertilizer needed. Shear back if leggy. Propagate from basal cuttings or seed (may not come true).

Uses

Rock gardens, borders, containers, hanging baskets, seaside gardens, xeriscapes. Excellent for hot, dry, sunny spots. Deer-resistant.

Potential Issues

Root rot in wet soil. Powdery mildew in humid conditions. Aphids on new growth. Flowers don't open without full sun.

A tough, stripy sun-lover that delivers nonstop color in the toughest spots.