Dorotheanthus bellidiformis Mix, commonly known as Livingstone Daisy, is a spectacular low-growing annual that produces a colourful carpet of shimmering, daisy-like flowers throughout the summer. With blooms in beautiful shades of soft pink, peach, apricot, cream, white and vibrant magenta, often with striking contrasting centres, this cheerful mixture is guaranteed to brighten even the sunniest corners of the garden.
 
One of the most fascinating characteristics of Livingstone Daisies is their remarkable flowers. The slender, almost metallic-looking petals glisten in the sunshine, opening wide on bright, sunny days and closing during dull weather or at night.
 
Dorotheanthus bellidiformis forms a spreading mat of succulent foliage, making it an excellent choice for the front of sunny borders, rockeries, gravel gardens, patio pots and containers. Its naturally low-growing habit also makes it particularly effective when planted in groups, creating a colourful tapestry of flowers.
 
Native to southern Africa, Livingstone Daisies thrive in full sunshine and free-draining soil. Once established, they are relatively drought tolerant, making them an excellent choice for hot, dry positions where other summer bedding plants may struggle.
 
When to Sow: February–April indoors. Sow outdoors from May once all risk of frost has passed and the soil has warmed.
 
HOW TO SOW: Sow seeds thinly onto the surface of fine, free-draining seed compost. Press gently into the compost and cover only very lightly with fine vermiculite, as light aids germination. Maintain a temperature of approximately 18–22°C and keep the compost lightly moist, but never waterlogged. Once seedlings are large enough to handle, transplant into individual pots or modules. Grow on in a bright position and gradually harden off before planting outside after the last frost.
 
Classification: Half-hardy annual.
Expert Level: Easy to Grow
Germination Time: Approximately 7–14 days at 18–22°C.
Site: Full sun. Choose the sunniest position available, as the flowers open in bright sunshine and close during dull weather and at night.
Soil Type: Light, sandy or gritty, free-draining soil. Particularly suited to gravel gardens, rockeries and containers.
Soil Acidity: Slightly acidic to neutral.
Moisture: Low to moderate. Water regularly while seedlings establish, then allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Avoid waterlogged conditions. Drought tolerant once established.
 
Care: Plant outdoors after all risk of frost has passed. Avoid rich soils and excessive feeding, which can encourage foliage growth at the expense of flowers. Water sparingly once established, particularly in garden beds. Container-grown plants may need more frequent watering during hot weather. Remove spent flowers where practical to maintain a tidy appearance.
Use: Summer bedding, patio pots, containers, rockeries, gravel gardens, edging and low-growing ground cover. Particularly effective in hot, sunny positions.
 
Days to Maturity: Approximately 84–98 Days
Height: 8–10 cm.
Plant Spacing: 15–20 cm.
Flowering Time: Jun–Sep