The Story
Plant Bio
Gazania rigens, treasure flower, is a low trailing perennial from the coasts of southern Africa, grown as a summer annual in most of the country. Basal leaves are narrow or deeply cut like a dandelion's, often silvery beneath, and large daisy-like flowerheads three to six inches across open in brilliant orange, yellow, bronze and cream, usually with a dark central ring.
The flowers close in dull weather and at night and only open properly in full sun, so a shaded or overcast position gives you foliage and nothing else. Given hot sun, sharp drainage and coastal salt, it thrives where most bedding fails — it is one of the best choices for a dry sunny bank or a seaside container.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Perennial
Height
10 inches
Width
10 inches
Light
Full Sun
Zones
9, 10
Water
Low
Humidity
Low
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
Coastal southern Africa
Toxicity
Non-toxic
Planting
How to Grow
- Plant in full sun; shade keeps the flowers shut.
- Give it sharply drained, even poor, soil.
- Water sparingly once established.
- Avoid rich feeding, which gives leaves not flowers.
- Deadhead to keep new flowerheads coming.
- Take cuttings in late summer to overwinter it.
Pro Tip
The flowers only open in direct sun, so a spot that is bright but shaded until noon will look flowerless all morning.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Plant it in the sunniest spot you have ☀️
- Give it sharp drainage 🌱
- Deadhead through the season ✂️
- Use it on dry banks and coastal sites 🌊
Don't
- Plant it in shade ❌
- Overwater or feed it richly ❌
- Expect open flowers on a dull day ❌
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deadhead | ||||||||||||
| Plant Out |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Treasure Flower questions
What zones can Treasure Flower grow in?
Treasure Flower is hardy in USDA Zones 9–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Treasure Flower deer resistant?
Yes — Treasure Flower is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Treasure Flower bloom?
Treasure Flower typically blooms in spring to fall through early summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Treasure Flower need full sun?
Treasure Flower does best in full sun (6+ hours).
Is Treasure Flower drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Treasure Flower handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
More Gazania to compare
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Treasure Flower with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.