How to Grow Swan River Daisy (Brachycome Iberidifolia)

This pretty annual (grows just one year) has asterlike flowers that bloom in pink, blue, violet or white. A lover of cool weather, it does well during the spring when planted in containers, rock gardens or flower beds.

Things You'll Need

• Garden Spades
• Bypass Pruners
• Mulch
• Plants
• Fertilizers
• Compost Makers
• Garden Trowels

Instructions

1. Buy healthy, green plants with no signs of wilting or disease. Plants should be stocky, with plenty of leaves. It's actually a plus if they don't have any flowers on them - they'll divert their early energy into root development rather than flowering.

2. 

   Choose a site in full sun with rich, well-drained soil.

3. 

   Plant seedlings 6 inches apart.

4. 

   Keep soil evenly moist. Mulching is a good idea.

5. Trim faded flowers to promote longer blooming. If summer's heat makes plants look ragged, shear them back by half to rejuvenate.

6. Fertilize every four to six weeks, or work in a slow-release fertilizer (or plenty of compost) at planting time.

7. Tear out and discard plants in fall, after heavy frost fells them.

Tips & Warnings

• Swan River daisy's flowers bloom atop sprawling 8- to 18-inch-high mounds of finely textured, needlelike deep-green foliage.

• In USDA zones 9 to 11, plant Swan River daisy in autumn for winter color.