English Daisy


English Daisy

This genus consists of seven species of hardy annuals and perennials, native to Europe and the Mediterranean. Bellis perennis is a very common and variable grassland species with many named cultivars that are mostly treated as biennials for spring bedding. They are easily grown and have a long flowering season. The name Bellis comes from the Latin bellus, "pretty". Bellis perennis has a long history as a healing herb. Gerard wrote that "The daisies fo mitigate all kinde of paines, but especially in the joints, and gout, if they be stamped with new butter unsalted, and applied upon the pained place…" (The Herball, or Generall Historie of Plantes, 1597). The flowers contain compounds that have been investigated for possible use in HIV therapy.

Perennial with a basal rosette of obovate scalloped leaves. Numerous flowers, to 2.5cm (1in) across, with bright yellow discs and white, often pink-flushed, ray florets, appear from spring to autumn.


Common Name:
English Daisy
Botanical Name:
Bellis perennis
Genus:
Bellis
Family:
Asteraceae
Native Location:
Europe and W Asia
Cultivation:
Well-drained soil in sun or partial shade. Dead-head regularly to prolong flowering and avoid excessive self-seeding. May escape in lawns.
Propagation:
By seed sown outdoors in early summer, or at 10-13°C (50-55°F) in early spring; by division in early spring, or after flowering. Double-flowered cultivars are usually sterile and cannot be raised from seed.
Harvest:
Leaves are picked in spring and summer, and used fresh in decoctions, ointments, or poultices. Flowers are picked in spring and summer, and used fresh in infusions or ointments.
Variations:
Alba Plena
Has pure white, double flowers

Dresden China
Has small, double, shell-pink flowers.

Prolifera
(hen-and-chickens daisy)
Known in Elizabethan times as the "childing daisy", has double white, often pink-flushed flowers that send out small ones from the main flower head.
Height: 10cm (4in)

Rob roy
Dates from c.1818 and has crimson double flowers
Height: 15cm (6in)
Height:
2.5-15cm (1-6in)
Width:
7-12cm (3-5in)
Hardiness:
Z3-10
Parts Used:
Leaves, flowers
Properties:
An astringent, healing, expectorant herb that relaxes spasms.
Medicinal Uses:
Internally for coughs and mucus. Externally for ruptures, varicose veins, minor wounds, and sore or watery eyes. A homeopathic remedy for deep bruising.
Culinary Uses:
Young leaves, flowers buds, and petals have a pleasant sour flavor and may be added to salads. Flower buds can be pickled in vinegar as a substitute for capers.
Bibliography:
Encylopedia of Herbs by Deni Brown Copyright ©: 1995, 2001 Dorling Kindersley Limited pps. 141-142