Euryops (EW-ree-ops), more commonly known as the bush daisy, is a genus with approximately 50 individual species mainly hailing from South Africa. These tend to be compact, evergreen perennials with grey-green leaves and daisy-like flowers.
As part of the Asteraceae family, these shrubs are best represented by a few outstanding varieties.
One of the newer dwarf bush daisy varieties is the highly popular Euryops pectinatus (pek-ti-NAH-tus), better known as ‘Munchkin’ or grey-leaf Euryops.
It’s known for its bronze to blue-green foliage and bright yellow flowers, as well as its tolerance in colder climates.
The hybrid ‘Silver Sunshine’ is silvery-grey with tight flower clusters. This bush daisy cultivar has a dense, naturally round shape, providing gardens with a more formal look with less pruning.
While there are common names to describe specific species, Euryops as a whole is simply referred to as either (African) bush daisy or dwarf bush daisy based upon the size.
Another name that has become common for most species is the Dutch nickname harpuisbos, meaning “resin bush”.
Bush Daisy Care
Euryops Size & Growth
Dwarf bush daisy varieties, such as ‘Munchkin’, tend to achieve a height of about 3’ feet and 4’ feet wide with a more moderate growth rate. The faster-growing full-sized varieties range from 4′ to 6’ feet tall and tend to be roughly the same in width.
Depending upon how fast the specific bush daisy cultivar grows, it may take between 5 and 10 years to achieve its full height.
Flowering and Fragrance
With the exception of areas prone to frost, most cultivars of bush daisy bloom the majority of the year. The blooms begin heavy in the spring, but thin out as subsequent waves continue.
Most species produce bright yellow daisy flowers.
Some species bloom poorly in drought conditions or low temperatures. Munchkin is an exception and may continue to produce yellow flowers in mild winter conditions.
Light & Temperature
Most species of Euryops fare well in partial sun, but full sun is recommended for the best appearance.
The bush may be grown in USDA hardiness zones 9b to 11. Cold-tolerant species, such as Munchkin, are also able to grow in zone 8 but may die above the roots until spring.
In all cases, flower production will be poor in ongoing temperatures below 60° degrees Fahrenheit.
Watering and Feeding
During its first growing season, bush daisies require regular, moderate watering. This will allow the plant to form a strong, extensive root system. Once established, ground plants will only need occasional watering.
Despite being drought tolerant, these plants may have higher watering needs during especially dry periods for outdoor plants to have more productive blooms.
Container plants should continue receiving regular waterings.
Provide the yellow bush daisy plant with some all-purpose fertilizer in the spring before new growth arrives.
Soil & Transplanting
Euryops grows easily in average-quality well drained soil. This may include chalk, clay, loamy, and sandy soils. A pH balance between 6.1 and 6.5 is recommended
Grooming And Maintenance
Generally, a trim after flowering each year will keep the Euryops daisy bush daisy looking tidy, formal and ready for you to shape it. However, this practice is not necessary for a healthy plant. Likewise, bush daisies don’t require deadheading.
When growing cold-tolerant varieties in zone 8, apply 3” inches of mulch around the roots to prevent frost damage. These plants often die back from the cold only to regrow in early spring.
If this happens to your bush daisy, you should remove any dead stems when the last frost is ended so new shoots have room to grow.
How To Propagate African Bush Daisies
These shrubs will often reseed themselves, although hybrids such as Silver Sunshine should be propagated using cuttings to ensure the child plants don’t revert back to one of the parent species.
Place seeds in flats approximately 8 weeks prior to the final frost. The seeds should be sown approximately 1 ½ times their size deep.
It takes approximately 2 to 3 weeks to germinate. Once the risk of frost has ended, transfer the daisy bushes into pots or your garden.
Cuttings may be either spring softwood or summer semi-hardwood. Dip them in a rooting hormone powder prior to planting. It takes approximately 4 weeks for new roots to take hold.
Daisy Euryops Pectinatus Pests or Diseases
The yellow daisy-like flowers attract bees, which may be of concern to those with allergies.
Euryops species are both heat and drought tolerant, with some cultivars also having a partial resistance to cold.
These plants are mainly disease and pest-free, although nematodes will pose a problem.
In some areas, bush daisies may become invasive.
Suggested Uses For Bush Daisy
The many varieties of this evergreen shrub make perfect additions to a border, contemporary, Mediterranean, rustic, and topiary, and rock gardens.
They also make an excellent container plant for decks and patios when planted in well drained soil.
Thanks to its yellow flowers, African bush daisies attract a wide array of pollinators, such as bees, beetles, and butterflies. Birds, both insectivorous and seed-loving, soon follow.