Dais
Contents
Description
Dais (Bellis perennis) is a perennial flowering plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. It is native to Europe and western Asia but has now become naturalized in many other parts of the world. The plant has small, white or pinkish flowers that bloom from early spring to late autumn. It is often used as a ground cover or as a border plant in gardens and landscaping.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Bellis |
Appearance
The Dais plant has small, daisy-like flowers that are white or pinkish in color. The flowers have a yellow center and are about 1-2 cm in diameter. The leaves of the plant are dark green and spoon-shaped, with a slightly toothed edge. The plant grows to a height of about 10-15 cm and has a spread of 20-25 cm. It blooms from early spring to late autumn and is often used as a ground cover or border plant in gardens and landscaping.
Care Guide
The Dais plant is easy to care for and requires minimal attention. Here are some tips on how to care for this plant:
Water
The plant prefers well-draining soil that is kept moist but not waterlogged. Water the plant regularly, especially during hot and dry weather conditions.
Fertilization
The plant does not require much fertilization. Apply a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season.
Soil
The plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It can tolerate a wide range of soil pH levels.
Sunlight
The plant prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade. It blooms best in full sun.
Hardiness Zones
The plant is hardy in USDA zones 4-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Dais plant is relatively pest and disease-free. However, it can be affected by aphids, slugs, and snails. These pests can be controlled using insecticidal soap or by handpicking.
Habitat
The Dais plant is native to Europe and western Asia, where it grows in grasslands and meadows. It is now naturalized in many other parts of the world, including North America, Australia, and New Zealand. It prefers well-draining soil and full sun to partial shade.
Question and Answer
Q: Is the Dais plant poisonous to humans or pets?
A: No, the plant is not toxic to humans or pets.
Q: Can the Dais plant be grown in containers?
A: Yes, the plant can be grown in containers as long as the soil is well-draining and the container has adequate drainage holes.
Q: How often should I fertilize the Dais plant?
A: The plant does not require much fertilization. Apply a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season.
Q: How do I propagate the Dais plant?
A: The plant can be propagated by dividing the clumps in early spring or by taking stem cuttings in summer.
Related Plants
- Aster
- Chrysanthemum
- Gaillardia
- Zinnia
References
- “Bellis perennis.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed 28 July 2021. <https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=276800&isprofile=0&basic=Bellis%20perennis>.
- “Bellis perennis.” Royal Horticultural Society. Accessed 28 July 2021. <https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/6490/bellis-perennis/details>.
- “Bellis perennis.” University of Florida IFAS Extension. Accessed 28 July 2021. <https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/plants/ornamentals/daisy.html>.
