The Story
Plant Bio
Brachyscome multifida, commonly known as the cut-leaf daisy, is a small, semi-woody perennial herb native to the open forests, woodlands, and rocky slopes of eastern Australia. It develops a spreading to compact, mounding habit that adapts reliably to subtropical, temperate, and cool climates.
The species encompasses distinct botanical forms, including the broad-lobed variety dilatata and the fine-foliaged variety multifida. Its terminal daisy flower heads measure approximately two centimetres across, displaying mauve, blue, pink, or white ray ligules around a yellow central disc.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Perennial
Height
18 inches
Width
24 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
9, 10
Water
Moderate
Humidity
Moderate to High
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
Eastern Australia
Toxicity
Non-toxic
Planting
How to Grow
- Select a planting site in full sun or light dappled shade with well-drained soil.
- Dig a hole twice the width of the nursery pot and set the plant at the same depth as its current soil level.
- Water in thoroughly to settle the soil around the roots and apply a light mulch to conserve moisture.
- Water occasionally during extended dry summer periods to maintain continuous flower production.
Pro Tip
Trim the foliage back by one-third to one-half immediately after a heavy flowering flush; shearing into old, leafless wood where no active buds remain will kill the branches.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Prune regularly after major flowering flushes to maintain a dense, compact habit.
- Apply a standard low-phosphorus or balanced native fertiliser after hard pruning to stimulate fresh growth.
- Ensure good air circulation around the foliage to prevent fungal issues during humid weather.
Don't
- Do not cut back into old, bare, leafless wood, as it lacks active buds to regenerate.
- Do not allow the soil to become waterlogged, especially in heavy clay profiles.
- Avoid overhead watering in the evening to minimise the risk of fungal leaf spot.
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
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Cut-leaf Daisy, Cut-leaved Daisy, Rocky Daisy, Hawkesbury Daisy questions
What zones can Cut-leaf Daisy, Cut-leaved Daisy, Rocky Daisy, Hawkesbury Daisy grow in?
Cut-leaf Daisy, Cut-leaved Daisy, Rocky Daisy, Hawkesbury Daisy 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.
When does Cut-leaf Daisy, Cut-leaved Daisy, Rocky Daisy, Hawkesbury Daisy bloom?
Cut-leaf Daisy, Cut-leaved Daisy, Rocky Daisy, Hawkesbury Daisy typically blooms in year round through year round. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Cut-leaf Daisy, Cut-leaved Daisy, Rocky Daisy, Hawkesbury Daisy need full sun?
Cut-leaf Daisy, Cut-leaved Daisy, Rocky Daisy, Hawkesbury Daisy does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
Is Cut-leaf Daisy, Cut-leaved Daisy, Rocky Daisy, Hawkesbury Daisy drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Cut-leaf Daisy, Cut-leaved Daisy, Rocky Daisy, Hawkesbury Daisy handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
More Brachyscome to compare
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Cut-leaf Daisy, Cut-leaved Daisy, Rocky Daisy, Hawkesbury Daisy 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.