Also known as Daisy Bush · 1 saves
Brachyglottis
Brachyglottis, the genus most gardeners know as daisy bush. We track 3 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 3 most-saved Brachyglottis varieties
2 species of Brachyglottis
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Brachyglottis in Sow
Save the Brachyglottis you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Brachyglottis
Whats common across all Brachyglottis varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 3 most-grown of them.
The Brachyglottis year
- PruneAugust100% of varieties
Prune lightly after flowering to shape and control size, avoiding old bare wood.
- Check for PestsJune and July100% of varieties
Inspect leaf undersides for aphids, scale, and spider mites during warm summer months.
- FertilizeMarch and April67% of varieties
Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer lightly in early spring.
- Winter PrepNovember67% of varieties
Provide frost protection or move container-grown specimens indoors in cold climates.
- PropagateJuly and August67% of varieties
Take semi-hardwood cuttings with a heel from current season's growth.
Do
- Provide excellent soil drainage to prevent root rot.
- Protect the plant from hard freezes and strong, tearing winds.
- Prune lightly immediately after flowering to shape the canopy.
- Plant in poor, gritty, or sandy soils to maintain compact growth and intense silver foliage color.
- Ensure the planting site has excellent air circulation and sharp drainage.
Avoid
- Do not cut back into old, bare wood without leaves.
- Do not overwater or plant in heavy, waterlogged soils.
- Do not apply heavy, high-phosphorus fertilizers.
- Do not apply nitrogen-rich fertilizers, which cause weak, floppy growth and green-out the silver leaves.
What goes wrong with Brachyglottis
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Clusters of small, soft-bodied insects on new growth and sticky honeydew on foliage. | Spray with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil, ensuring thorough coverage of leaf undersides. |
| Spider mites | Fine webbing on leaf undersides and stippling or yellowing of the foliage. | Increase humidity around the plant and apply insecticidal soap or miticides. |
| Scale insects | Small, raised, waxy bumps on stems and leaf veins, often accompanied by sooty mold. | Apply horticultural oil during the crawler stage or scrape off minor infestations manually. |
| Spider Mites | Fine webbing and speckled foliage in hot, dry conditions. | Rinse foliage forcefully with water or apply miticides if the infestation is severe. |
| Root rot | Wilting foliage, yellowing leaves, and decay of the root system in wet soils. | Ensure optimal soil drainage, avoid overwatering, and plant in raised beds if soil is heavy. |
| Powdery mildew | White, powdery fungal patches on leaf surfaces, particularly in humid, stagnant conditions. | Improve air circulation around the plant and avoid overhead watering late in the day. |
| Root Rot | Wilting, yellowing foliage and stem dieback caused by wet soil. | Improve soil drainage, avoid overwatering, and plant in raised beds if clay is present. |
Making more Brachyglottis
Semi-ripe cuttings
- Take 4- to 6-inch semi-ripe cuttings from firm, current-season growth in mid-to-late summer.
- Remove the lower leaves, leaving only the top pair, and dip the cut end in rooting hormone.
- Insert the cuttings into a well-drained mix of perlite and peat, keeping the medium moist.
- Place in a warm, humid environment with indirect light until roots establish in 6 to 8 weeks.
Seed
- Sow fresh seeds in spring onto the surface of a moist, seed-starting compost.
- Press the seeds lightly into the medium but do not cover deeply, as they require light to germinate.
- Maintain a consistent temperature of 60 to 68 degrees Fahrenheit and keep the soil lightly moist.
- Prick out seedlings into individual pots once they are large enough to handle safely.
Brachyglottis questions
How many types of Brachyglottis are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 3 distinct Brachyglottis varieties. The most popular — ranked by 1 real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Brachyglottis grow in?
Across its varieties, Brachyglottis covers USDA Zones 8–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Brachyglottis bloom?
Most Brachyglottis varieties bloom in summer, late winter, late spring. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Brachyglottis should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.