Species

perennial

Cut-Leaf Daisy

The Story

Plant Bio

Brachyscome multifida is a low-growing, compact perennial groundcover native to eastern Australia, characterized by its fine-textured, deeply lobed green foliage. The species produces a dense display of small, daisy-like flowers with yellow central disks from spring through fall.

'Break O'Day' is distinguished by its deep mauve to light purple flowers and a highly compact, neatly mounding growth habit. This cultivar maintains a denser form than the straight species, making it particularly suited for container plantings and border edging.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides a dense, fine-textured carpet of lacy green foliage covered in purple daisy-like flowers for most of the growing season.

Functions as an effective, low-growing groundcover or container plant that tolerates coastal salt spray and moderate drought.

Attracts native bees, butterflies, and generalist beneficial insects to the garden.

SpeciesBrachyscome multifidaCut-Leaved Daisy

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

12"

Width

24"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

8, 9, 10

Water

Low to Medium

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Short-lived Perennial

Native To

Australia

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Spring – Fall

In flower about 9 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun to partial shade that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight daily.
Amend the soil with coarse sand or compost to ensure excellent, sharp drainage, as heavy or waterlogged soil causes root rot.
Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball, set the plant at the same depth as its container, and backfill gently.
Water thoroughly to settle the soil, then establish a moderate watering schedule, allowing the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings.

Pro Tip

Treat this species as a short-lived perennial that naturally declines after two to three seasons; propagate fresh tip cuttings regularly to maintain a continuous, vigorous display.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Grow in light, sandy, or loamy soil with excellent drainage.
Trim back the foliage by one-third after heavy flowering flushes to encourage fresh growth.
Provide good air circulation around the plant to prevent powdery mildew in humid conditions.

Don't

Do not overwater or allow the roots to sit in soggy, poorly drained soil.
Do not cut back hard into old, leafless woody stems, as they will not regenerate well.
Do not apply heavy, high-nitrogen fertilizers, which cause weak, leggy growth.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Pest Check
Propagate
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Border EdgingRock GardensContainersGroundcoverMass Plantings

Companion Plants

Salvia greggii Sedum Festuca glauca

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Cut-Leaf Daisy questions

What zones can Cut-Leaf Daisy grow in?

Cut-Leaf Daisy is hardy in USDA Zones 8–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Cut-Leaf Daisy deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Cut-Leaf Daisy, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Cut-Leaf Daisy bloom?

Cut-Leaf Daisy typically blooms in spring through fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Cut-Leaf Daisy need full sun?

Cut-Leaf Daisy does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Cut-Leaf Daisy drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Cut-Leaf Daisy handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.