So many varieties of daisies are the most beloved flowers in the world, known for their cheerful appearance and delicate petals. They are commonly found in gardens, meadows, and fields, and their popularity has led to the cultivation of many different varieties. Each type of daisy has its own unique characteristics, from the color of its petals to the shape of its leaves.
In this article, we will explore a list of daisy varieties and their meanings. From the classic English daisy to the exotic Gloriosa daisy, we will delve into the symbolism behind each type of daisy and what it represents. Whether you are a flower enthusiast or simply looking to add some color to your garden, this guide will provide you with all the information you need to choose the perfect daisy for your needs.
Flower Lovers Want to Know
What are some different types of daisies and their meanings?
Some popular varieties include:
- Gerbera daisies – have bright, bold colors and mean innocence and purity.
- Shasta daisies – have white petals with yellow centers and mean new beginnings and fresh starts.
- African daisies – come in a variety of colors and represent energy and vitality.
- Oxeye daisies – have white petals with yellow centers and denote love and loyalty.
- Marguerite daisies – have white or pink petals and symbolize love and devotion.
Can you explain the difference between a daisy and a Shasta daisy?
Shasta daisies are a hybrid of several different daisy species and have larger, more robust flowers than traditional daisies. They also have a longer blooming period and can tolerate more sun and heat than traditional daisies.
What do different colors of daisies symbolize?
- White – Purity, innocence, and new beginnings
- Yellow – Happiness, joy, and friendship
- Orange – Energy, enthusiasm, and passion
- Pink – Love, gratitude, and appreciation
- Red – Love, passion, and desire
What is the symbolism behind gerbera daisies?
Gerbera daisies are symbolic of innocence and purity. They also represent cheerfulness and are gifted to brighten someone’s day.
What are some common varieties of African daisies?
- Cape daisies – These daisies have bright, bold colors.
- Blue-eyed daisies – These daisies have blue petals with yellow centers.
- Gazania daisies – These daisies have bright, colorful petals.
How many different kinds of daisies exist in the world?
There are over 23,000 varieties of daisies in the world, making it one of the largest families of flowering plants.
11 Varieties of Daisies – Their Meaning & Symbolism (Including Photos)
Daisies have been a popular flower for centuries, and their meaning has evolved over time. While they are often associated with innocence and purity, they also represent love, friendship, and new beginnings. Understand the symbolism behind each type of daisy to choose the perfect flower to express your feelings and emotions. So let’s dive in and discover the world of daisy varieties and their meanings.
Understanding Daisies
Daisies are a popular and diverse group of flowers that belong to the Asteraceae family. There are over 23,000 species of daisies, each with its unique characteristics and meanings.
Appearance
Daisies have a distinctive appearance that most people are familiar with. They typically have a round, yellow center surrounded by white or colored petals. However, not all daisies look the same. Some have multiple layers of petals, while others have a single row. Some daisies have petals that are pink, red, or purple, while others have a mix of colors.
Symbolism
Daisies say innocence, purity, and new beginnings. They also symbolize true love, loyalty, and friendship. Some cultures believed that daisies have healing properties and are used in herbal remedies.
Growing Daisies
Daisies are relatively easy to grow and care for, making them a popular choice for gardeners. They prefer full sun and well-drained soil. Some varieties can be grown from seed, while others are best propagated through division. Daisies need water regularly but do not overwater. Too much moisture leads to root rot. Deadheading spent flowers encourages more blooms and keeps the plant looking tidy.
Overall, the varieties of daisies are beautiful and meaningful additions to any garden. With so many different varieties to choose from, there is sure to be a daisy that suits your taste and personality.
History of Daisy Symbolism
- Roman Mythology – The Romans associated daisies with a nymph named Belides who turned herself into a daisy to escape an unwanted suitor. The flower became a symbol of purity, innocence, and true love.
- Norse Mythology – The daisy was Freya’s flower. It was her favorite and symbolized the same things she did: fertility, love, and sensuality. The Norse people believed that daisies predict the weather. If the petals closed up, it was a sign of an impending storm.
- Christianity – In Christian symbolism, daisies represent the innocence and purity of the Virgin Mary. They symbolize the resurrection of Christ and eternal life.
- Victorian Era – daisies conveyed messages of love, loyalty, and purity. They were also presented to express sympathy or to wish someone good luck. White daisies were often given to new mothers as a symbol of childbirth and motherhood. Yellow daisies showed cheerfulness and joy.
- Modern Times – Today, daisies are still popular as a symbol of new beginnings, purity, and innocence. They are used in celebrations to represent hope and happiness.
- Native American Culture – The Cherokee tribe used daisies to treat a variety of ailments, including stomach problems, fever, and coughs. They also believed that daisies had the power to ward off evil spirits.
- Chinese Culture – For the Chinese, daisies showed purity and innocence. They were gifted to young girls as a symbol of their youth and beauty. In traditional medicine, daisies were used to treat a variety of ailments, including headaches, fever, and inflammation.
- Greek Mythology – daisies represented the goddess Aphrodite – goddess of love and beauty. Legend has it that the god Zeus created the daisy to cheer up his daughter Persephone, who was sad after being forced to spend half the year in the underworld.
Varieties of Daisies
Daisies are a popular choice for gardens and floral arrangements due to their bright and cheerful appearance. There are many different types of daisies, each with their own unique characteristics and meanings. Here are some of the most common types of daisies:
1 – Bellis Perennis
Bellis perennis, the common daisy or English daisy, is a small, low-growing perennial that produces white or pink flowers with yellow centers. This type of daisy used in traditional medicine treats ailments such as coughs and digestive issues. In flower language, the common daisy represents innocence and purity.
These flowers prefer partial shade and moist soil. English daisies should be watered regularly, but not overwatered. Deadheading spent blooms will encourage more flowers to grow.
2 – Gerbera Daisy
The Gerbera daisy, also called the African daisy, is a large, colorful flower that comes in a variety of shades including red, pink, orange, and yellow. Its vibrant colors and long vase life make it a favorite in floral arrangements. In flower language, the Gerbera daisy represents happiness and cheerfulness.
Gerbera prefer full sun and well-draining soil. African daisies need water regularly, but do not overwater. Deadheading spent blooms will encourage more flowers to grow.
3 – Marguerite Daisy
The Marguerite daisy, also known as the Paris daisy, is a small, bushy plant that produces white or yellow flowers with a yellow center. Borders or rock gardens are the home of the Marguerite due to its low-growing habit. In flower language, the Marguerite daisy represents love and devotion.
4 – Oxeye Daisy
The Oxeye daisy, also known as the field daisy, is a tall, invasive plant that produces white or yellow flowers with yellow centers. Because it spreads quickly and take over fields and pastures, some consider this daisy an annoying weed. In flower language, the Oxeye daisy represents patience and endurance.
5 – Shasta Daisy
The Shasta daisy is a large, showy flower that produces white or yellow petals with a yellow center. Gardeners love the Shasta due to its long blooming period and ability to attract pollinators. In flower language, the Shasta daisy represents purity and innocence.
Shasta thrive in full sun and well-draining soil. Shasta daisies should be watered regularly, but not overwatered. Deadheading spent blooms will encourage more flowers to grow.
6 – Swan River Daisy
The Swan River daisy, referred to as the blue-eyed daisy, is a small, delicate plant that produces blue or purple flowers with a yellow center. This type of daisy is perfect in rock gardens or as a groundcover due to its low-growing habit. In flower language, the Swan River daisy represents loyalty and trust.
7 – Cape Daisies
Sun-loving, blue-eyed daisies grow to heights of up to 24 inches. Give them enough water and well-draining soil and these beauties bloom for you for 7 to 10 days in the spring. Cape daisies stand for innocence, purity, and loyalty.
In the Victorian era, cape daisies meant you could keep a secret.
8 – Gazania daisies
Gazania’s are a larger variety of daisies from South Africa. The head spans 4 inches of glorious multi-colored petals with a yellow center. Keep them blooming throughout late spring and early summer deadhead old buds.
With their spectacular color palette, it’s no wonder these flowers denote wealth and riches.
9 – Michaelmas Daisy
Because this daisy blooms around the time of the Feast of Saint Michael in the Christian faith (late September), it is called the Michaelmas daisy.
Keep your plant healthy by watering at the bottom of the plant when the soil feels dry to the touch. Avoid wetting the leaves.
Use this daisy to say farewell.
10 – Gloriosa Daisy
Gloriosa daisies, also known as black-eyed Susans, have bright yellow or orange flowers with dark centers. They prefer full sun and well-draining soil. Water the Gloriosa daisies regularly, but avoid overwatering to prevent root rot. Deadheading spent blooms will encourage more flowers to grow.
11 – Coneflower
Coneflowers have large, colorful flowers that come in a variety of shades. They prefer full sun and well-draining soil. Coneflowers should be watered regularly, but not overwatered. Deadheading spent blooms will encourage more flowers to grow.
Meaning Behind Daisy Colors
Daisies come in a variety of colors, each with its own symbolic meaning. Here are some of the most common colors of daisies and their meanings.
White Daisy –White daisies symbolize purity, innocence, and new beginnings. They are often used in weddings and other ceremonies to represent the start of a new chapter in life. White daisies can also symbolize loyalty and true love, making them a popular choice for romantic occasions.
Pink Daisy – Pink daisies are associated with femininity, grace, and gentleness. They are often given as a gift to show admiration, gratitude, or appreciation. Pink daisies can also represent happiness and joy, making them a great choice for celebrating a special occasion.
Red Daisy – Red daisies are a symbol of passion, love, and desire. They are often used to express romantic feelings and can be a great way to show someone how much you care. Red daisies can also represent strength and courage, making them a popular choice for those facing difficult challenges.
Yellow Daisy – Yellow varieties of daisies are a symbol of happiness, joy, and friendship. They are often given as a gift to show appreciation and gratitude to a friend or loved one. Yellow daisies can also represent new beginnings and a fresh start, making them a great choice for those starting a new chapter in life.
Blue Daisy – Blue daisies are a symbol of peace, serenity, and calmness. They are often used in meditation and relaxation practices to help promote a sense of tranquility. Blue daisies can also represent trust and loyalty, making them a great choice for expressing feelings of trust and devotion.
Daisy Uses and Significance
Daisies are not only beautiful flowers but also have a wide range of uses and symbolic meanings.
Ornamental Use – Daisies are widely used as ornamental flowers in gardens, parks, and homes. They come in various colors, sizes, and shapes, making them a versatile choice for floral arrangements. Some popular daisy varieties used for ornamental purposes include the Shasta daisy, African daisy, and Michaelmas daisy.
Medicinal Use – Daisies have been used for medicinal purposes for centuries. They contain compounds that have anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, and pain-relieving properties. Daisies are commonly used to treat digestive disorders, menstrual cramps, and respiratory problems. They are also used in skin care products due to their soothing and healing properties.
Symbolic Meanings – Daisies are often mean innocence, purity, and new beginnings. They are a popular choice for wedding bouquets and baby showers. In the language of flowers, daisies symbolize love, cheerfulness, beauty, purity, innocence, hope, and affection. They are also given to new mothers as a symbol of childbirth and motherhood.
Final Sprouts of Wisdom
With more than 23,000 varieties of daisies the task of picking a few to admire it difficult. This post displayed some of the best loved species of Asteraceae. Their varieties, uses and meaning is significant based on the various cultures.
While a common and popular flower, daisies can be exotic. Just take a look at the Gloriosa or the Gazania daisies. They are not simple white flowers.
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