Treasure-flower
Gazania rigensUSDA | Grow Zone
9-11Outdoors all year in zones 9 to 11. Anywhere colder, keep it as a houseplant. Protect it below 40°F.
- Light
- Full sun, 6-8 hours
- Water
- When top inch is dry
- Humidity
- 40-60%
- Temperature
- 65-75°F (18-24°C)
- Difficulty
- Beginner
- Growth
- Moderate
- Mature size
- 12-18 in tall, 12-24 in wide
Gazania rigens, commonly known as the Treasure-flower, is a vibrant perennial native to South Africa. Its striking daisy-like flowers bloom in a variety of colors, making it a popular choice for gardens and containers.
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Ideal temperature
65-75°F is where it grows fastest. Below 40°F cold damage starts.
Spacing and harvest
- Mature size
- 12-18 in tall, 12-24 in wide
- Plant apart
- 12-24 in
- Frost
- Half hardy: light frost only
Everything it needs
9 essentials at a glance
Watering
Gazania rigens prefers to dry out between waterings.
Water deeply once the top inch of soil feels dry, typically every 1-2 weeks in the growing season. In winter, reduce watering to once every 3-4 weeks. Signs of over-watering include yellowing leaves and root rot, while under-watering may cause wilting and browning leaf edges.
Light
This plant thrives in full sun, requiring at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
Ideal placement is in a south-facing garden bed or container where it can soak up the sun. Gazania rigens can tolerate some partial shade but may produce fewer flowers.
Soil
Gazania rigens prefers well-draining sandy or loamy soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0.
Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot, and consider using a cactus or succulent potting mix for container growth.
Humidity
This plant enjoys low to moderate humidity levels, ideally between 40-60%.
To increase humidity, you can mist the leaves occasionally or place a humidity tray nearby. Signs of humidity stress include crispy leaf edges and stunted growth.
Temperature
Gazania rigens thrives in temperatures ranging from 65-75°F (18-24°C) and is hardy in zones 9-11.
It can tolerate brief periods of heat but may struggle in extreme cold, so protect it from frost.
Fertilizing
Use a balanced fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 10-10-10, applying every 4-6 weeks during the growing season.
Reduce or stop fertilizing in the fall and winter. Signs of nutrient deficiency include pale leaves and reduced flowering.
Pruning
Prune Gazania rigens in early spring to remove dead or damaged foliage and spent flowers.
Use clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears. Deadheading spent blooms encourages more flowers and keeps the plant looking tidy.
Repotting
Repot Gazania rigens every 1-2 years or when it becomes root-bound.
Choose a pot that is 1-2 inches larger in diameter than the current one. Signs it needs repotting include roots growing out of the drainage holes and stunted growth. Carefully remove the plant, refresh the soil, and place it in the new pot.
Propagation
Propagation can be done through seeds or division.
For seeds, sow them in spring after the last frost, covering lightly with soil. Keep the soil moist until germination occurs. For division, carefully separate clumps in early spring and replant them in well-draining soil.
When it's unhappy
Yellow leaves
Why it happens
Typically caused by over-watering or poor drainage.
How to fix it
Allow the soil to dry out and ensure proper drainage; adjust watering frequency.
Wilting
Why it happens
Often a sign of under-watering or extreme heat.
How to fix it
Check soil moisture and water deeply if dry; provide shade during extreme heat.
Root rot
Why it happens
Caused by consistently soggy soil conditions.
How to fix it
Improve drainage and reduce watering; consider repotting into fresh, dry soil.
Pest infestations (aphids, spider mites)
Why it happens
Common in dry conditions or when plants are stressed.
How to fix it
Inspect regularly and treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil as needed.
Reduced flowering
Why it happens
Can be due to insufficient sunlight or nutrient deficiency.
How to fix it
Ensure the plant receives full sun and consider fertilizing to boost nutrients.
Care through the year
Spring
In spring, prune back any dead foliage and fertilize to promote new growth. Begin regular watering as temperatures rise.
Summer
During summer, ensure the plant receives full sun and water deeply once the soil dries out. Deadhead regularly to encourage blooming.
Fall
In fall, reduce watering as temperatures drop and prepare the plant for cooler weather. Consider bringing potted plants indoors if frost is expected.
Winter
In winter, minimize watering to every 3-4 weeks and protect from frost. If indoors, ensure adequate light is provided.
Toxicity & Safety
Gazania rigens is non-toxic to pets and children, making it a safe choice for gardens and homes. No parts of the plant are known to cause harm if ingested.
Good to know
How often should I water my Gazania rigens?
Water your Gazania rigens once the top inch of soil feels dry, typically every 1-2 weeks during the growing season, and reduce watering in winter.
What type of soil is best for Gazania rigens?
Gazania rigens thrives in well-draining sandy or loamy soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. A cactus or succulent mix is ideal for container growth.
Why are my Gazania rigens leaves turning yellow?
Yellow leaves can indicate over-watering or poor drainage. Allow the soil to dry out and check for drainage issues to remedy the problem.
Can Gazania rigens tolerate frost?
Gazania rigens is not frost-tolerant and should be protected from cold temperatures. It thrives in warmer climates, ideally in USDA zones 9-11.
How can I encourage more blooms on my Gazania rigens?
To encourage more blooms, deadhead spent flowers regularly and ensure the plant receives full sun and adequate nutrients through fertilization.
What pests should I watch for on my Gazania rigens?
Common pests include aphids and spider mites. Regularly inspect your plant and treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
When is the best time to propagate Gazania rigens?
The best time to propagate Gazania rigens is in spring, either through seeds or division of established clumps.
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