Plant Profile: English Daisy
Growing English Daisies in North Carolina: A Gardener’s Guide
There’s something undeniably charming about English daisies (Bellis perennis). They look like the flower equivalent of a storybook meadow—small, cheerful, and classic. But growing them in North Carolina? That’s another story.
English daisies thrive in cooler, temperate climates, which means that NC gardeners have to work a little harder (and smarter) to keep them happy. If you’re up for the challenge, the reward is a lush carpet of blooms that will make your garden look straight out of an English countryside estate—minus the fog and British accents.
So, if you’re ready to add some cottage-garden charm to your NC garden, let’s dig into everything you need to know about planting and growing English daisies.
Why Grow English Daisies?
Before we get into the how-to, let’s talk about why you’d want to grow these little floral beauties in the first place.
They’re ridiculously cute. Their petite white, pink, or red flowers with bright yellow centers are classic and timeless.
They’re perfect for borders, pathways, and containers. These low-growing perennials fill in empty spaces beautifully.
They attract pollinators. Bees and butterflies love them, and anything that brings in pollinators is a win for your garden.
They’re technically perennials. But in NC’s heat, they often behave like biennials or short-lived perennials, meaning they may need a little replanting effort.
How to Plant English Daisies in NC Gardens
Choosing the Right Spot
The biggest challenge of growing English daisies in North Carolina is dealing with our hot, humid summers. These plants prefer cooler weather, which means shade and soil prep are key.
Pick a spot with morning sun and afternoon shade. This keeps them from getting scorched by the brutal afternoon heat.
Well-draining soil is a must. These plants hate soggy feet, so make sure the soil drains well to avoid root rot.
Raised beds or containers work great. If your soil isn’t ideal, growing them in containers or raised beds gives you more control.
Planting English Daisy Seeds or Transplants
If you’re starting from seeds, patience is key. English daisies take their sweet time to germinate.
When to plant: Fall or early spring is best. In NC, fall planting gives them time to establish before the heat of summer.
How to plant: Sow seeds just below the soil surface—they need light to germinate! Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy.
Transplants: If you don’t have time to wait, nursery-grown seedlings can give you a head start. Space them about 6 inches apart for a dense, meadow-like look.
Caring for English Daisies in NC
Watering
Keep the soil moist, but don’t drown them. A deep watering once or twice a week is ideal—more often if you’re dealing with an NC summer heatwave.
Morning watering is best. This helps prevent mildew and keeps your plants hydrated before the afternoon sun kicks in.
Fertilizing
Use a balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) every few weeks. They don’t need much, but a little boost keeps the blooms coming.
Compost is your friend. If you want to go the organic route, mix in compost at planting time and top-dress with more in spring.
Dealing with NC’s Hot Summers
This is where things get tricky. English daisies do not love our humid, sweltering summers, so keeping them alive past June or July can be a challenge.
Mulch heavily to keep the roots cool. A 2-inch layer of mulch helps retain moisture and regulate temperature.
Consider growing them as cool-season annuals. If you can’t keep them alive through summer, plant them in the fall for spring blooms and treat them as an annual.
Shade cloth can help. If your garden is sun-drenched, consider using a shade cloth to filter the afternoon sun.
Deadheading & Pruning
Deadheading—aka removing spent flowers—encourages more blooms and prevents them from going to seed too soon.
Snip off faded flowers regularly to keep the plant looking tidy.
If they start getting leggy, trim them back lightly to promote fuller growth.
Pests & Problems
Common Issues with English Daisies in NC
1. Powdery Mildew: If you see a whitish coating on the leaves, it’s likely mildew from our humidity. Improve air circulation and water in the morning.
2. Root Rot: Overwatering is a big no-no. Make sure the soil drains well and never let the plants sit in standing water.
3. Heat Stress: If your daisies look wilted and sad by midday, they’re probably too hot. Afternoon shade and mulch will help.
Can You Grow English Daisies Year-Round in NC?
Yes and no. In the mountains and cooler parts of NC, they might survive summer if given shade and extra care. In the Piedmont and Coastal Plain, they often fizzle out when summer kicks in.
Pro tip: Many gardeners treat them as fall-planted biennials, letting them bloom in spring and early summer before they fade away in the heat.
Companion Planting
Pair English daisies with other cool-weather plants for a charming early-season garden:
Pansies & Violas: They thrive in the same conditions and add more color.
Foxglove & Snapdragons: Tall companions that complement English daisies beautifully.
Spring Bulbs: Plant them alongside daffodils and tulips for a stunning spring show.
Final Thoughts: Should You Grow English Daisies in NC?
Absolutely—if you know what you’re getting into. These flowers might not be the easiest to grow in North Carolina’s unpredictable climate, but with the right planting strategy, shade, and moisture management, you can enjoy their delicate beauty for at least part of the year.
If you’re looking for a low-maintenance, year-round bloomer, English daisies aren’t your best bet. But if you love a good gardening challenge and want to bring a touch of English countryside charm to your landscape, give them a try.
Just be prepared to baby them through the heat—or wave goodbye once summer takes over.
