The Euryops plant, is commonly known as the African bush daisy. The genus has approximately 50 individual species hailing from South Africa. These tend to be compact, evergreen perennials with grey-green leaves and daisy-like flowers.
A few outstanding varieties best represent these shrubs, which are part of the Asteraceae family.
One of the newer dwarf bush daisy varieties is the popular Euryops pectinatus (pek-ti-NAH-tus), known as ‘Munchkin’ or grey-leaf Euryops.
It’s known for its bronze to blue-green foliage, bright yellow flowers, and tolerance in colder climates.
The hybrid’ Silver Sunshine’ is silvery-grey with tight flower clusters. This bush daisy cultivar has a dense, natural round shape, providing gardens with a more formal look with less pruning.
Euryops Daisy Bush Quick Care Tips
- Botanical Name: Euryops pectinatus
- Common Name(s): African Bush Daisy, Golden Daisy Bush, Athena Sun Euryops
- Synonyms: Euryops chrysanthemoides
- Pronunciation: EW-ree-ops
- Family & Origin: Asteraceae family, native to South Africa
- Growability: Easy to grow
- Grow Zone: USDA zones 8-11
- Size: Can grow up to 3′-4′ feet tall and wide
- Flowering: Blooms in spring and summer with bright yellow daisy-like flowers
- Light: Full direct sunlight to partial shade
- Humidity: Can tolerate low humidity
- Temperature: Can tolerate heat but not frost
- Soil: Well-draining soil
- Water: Water regularly but do not overwater
- Fertilizer: Fertilize in spring and summer with a balanced fertilizer
- Pests & Diseases: Can be susceptible to aphids and spider mites. May develop root rot if overwatered
- Propagation: Can be propagated through stem cuttings or division
- Plant Uses: Great for borders, mass plantings, and as a container plant. Attracts butterflies and bees.
While there are common names to describe specific species, Euryops is called either (African) bush daisy (Euryops chrysanthemoides) or dwarf bush daisy based on size.
Another name that has become common for most species is the Dutch nickname harpuisbos, meaning “resin bush”.
Bush Daisy Flower Care
Euryops Daisy 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.
Athena Sun Euryops Flower
The bright yellow flowers of Athena Sun Euryops and its ability to handle heat make it popular. The bloom time? In areas without frost, most bush daisies bloom throughout the year. Heavy blooming starts in spring, gradually decreasing in number.
Most species produce bright yellow daisy flowers.
Some species bloom poorly in drought conditions or low temperatures. Munchkin is an exception continuing to produce yellow flowers in mild winter conditions.
Light & Temperature
Most Euryops species thrive in partial sun, but for the best appearance, we recommend full sun.
The bush daisy grows in USDA hardiness zones 9b to 11. Cold-tolerant species like Munchkin can grow in zone 8 but may die above the roots until spring.
In all cases, flower production is poor in temperatures below 60° degrees Fahrenheit.
Watering and Feeding
During its first growing season, bush daisies need consistent, moderate watering to develop a robust root system. Once established, ground plants need infrequent watering.
Outdoor Euryops plants are drought tolerant. But may need more water during dry periods for productive blooming.
Container plants should continue receiving regular watering.
Before new growth arrives in spring, feed the yellow bush daisy plant with an all-purpose fertilizer.
Soil & Transplanting Bright Yellow Daisies
Euryops thrives in average-quality well-drained soil, including chalk, clay, loamy, and sandy soils. We recommend maintaining a soil pH balance between 6.1 and 6.5.
Grooming And Maintenance
Yellow daisy bush pruning after blooming maintains its shape and supports growth. Trimming is not crucial for their health. Deadheading is unnecessary.
When growing cold-tolerant varieties in zone 8, apply a 3″ inch depth of mulch or compost around the roots to prevent frost damage. These plants often die back from the cold only to regrow in early spring.
Give new shoots room to grow on your golden bush daisy by removing dead stems after the last frost has passed.
African Bush Daisies Propagation
African bush daisy shrubs often reseed themselves. Propagate hybrids such as Silver Sunshine from stem cuttings to ensure the “child” plants don’t revert back to one of the parent species.
Place seeds in flats approximately 8 weeks before the final frost. Sow the seeds about 1 ½ times their size deep.
Germination takes approximately 2 to 3 weeks. Once the risk of frost has ended, transfer the daisy bushes into pots or your garden.
Take cuttings from spring softwood or summer semi-hardwood. Dip the cutting in a rooting hormone powder before planting. It takes approximately 4 weeks for new roots to take hold.
Daisy Euryops Pectinatus Pests or Diseases
The California bush daisy, with its yellow daisy-like flowers, attracts bees, which may concern those with allergies.
Euryops species are both heat and drought-tolerant. Some cultivars also have 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 The Golden Daisy Bush Plant
The wide varieties of the evergreen daisy bush plant shrub make perfect additions to borders, mass planting, contemporary, Mediterranean, rustic, topiary, and rock gardens.
They also make an excellent container plant for decks and patios.
Thanks to their yellow flowers, African bush daisies attract many pollinators, such as:
- Bees
- Beetles
- Butterflies
Birds, both insectivorous and seed-loving, soon follow.