Species

Brachyscome multifidaCut-leaf Daisy, Cut-leaved Daisy, Rocky Daisy, Hawkesbury Daisy

groundcover

Cut-leaf Daisy, Rock Daisy, Hawkesbury Daisy, Native Daisy

The Story

Plant Bio

Brachyscome multifida, commonly known as the cut-leaf daisy, is a sprawling perennial groundcover native to the open forests and woodlands of eastern Australia. The species produces fine, deeply divided green foliage and solitary daisy-like flower heads with yellow central discs on short stalks rising above the canopy.

'Break O'Day' is a compact, non-suckering cultivar distinguished by its dense, mounding habit and deep purple-mauve ray florets. This selection maintains a tight form and flowers heavily through spring and summer, often continuing sporadically throughout the year.

Uses & Benefits:

Forms a dense, fine-textured mat of lacy green foliage covered in deep purple-mauve daisy flowers for most of the year.

Serves as an effective, low-maintenance groundcover for suppressing weeds and stabilizing soil on gentle slopes or borders.

Provides nectar and pollen for native bees, butterflies, and beneficial hoverflies, while the dense foliage shelters small insect-eating birds.

SpeciesBrachyscome multifidaCut-leaf Daisy, Cut-leaved Daisy, Rocky Daisy, Hawkesbury Daisy

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Groundcover

Height

12 inches

Width

36 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

8, 9, 10

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Australia

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Spring – Summer

In flower about 4 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Plant in a position that receives full sun to partial shade with well-drained soil.
Incorporate organic matter into clay soils to improve surface drainage and prevent waterlogging.
Water regularly after planting until the root system is established, then reduce frequency.
Apply a light, balanced slow-release fertiliser in early spring to support continuous blooming.

Pro Tip

Shear the soft outer canopy lightly after major flowering flushes to stimulate fresh growth; cutting back hard into bare, leafless woody stems will kill the plant.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Do prune lightly and frequently to maintain a dense, compact shape.
Do ensure the soil drains freely to prevent root rot and fungal issues.
Do water during extended dry spells to maintain consistent flowering.

Don't

Do not cut back hard into old, leafless woody stems.
Do not allow the soil to remain waterlogged or sit in standing water.
Do not apply heavy doses of high-nitrogen fertilisers, which promote leggy growth at the expense of flowers.

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

GroundcoverRock gardenBorder edgingContainer plantingMass planting

Companion Plants

Anigozanthos flavidus Chrysocephalum apiculatum Lomandra longifolia Dianella caerulea

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Cut-leaf Daisy, Rock Daisy, Hawkesbury Daisy, Native Daisy questions

What zones can Cut-leaf Daisy, Rock Daisy, Hawkesbury Daisy, Native Daisy grow in?

Cut-leaf Daisy, Rock Daisy, Hawkesbury Daisy, Native 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.

When does Cut-leaf Daisy, Rock Daisy, Hawkesbury Daisy, Native Daisy bloom?

Cut-leaf Daisy, Rock Daisy, Hawkesbury Daisy, Native Daisy typically blooms in spring through summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Cut-leaf Daisy, Rock Daisy, Hawkesbury Daisy, Native Daisy need full sun?

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

Is Cut-leaf Daisy, Rock Daisy, Hawkesbury Daisy, Native Daisy drought tolerant?

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