Gazania rigens var. leucolaena
Common name(s): treasure flower, silver leaf gazania
Description: perennial (requires protection from frost); a variation of G. rigens found only in the Cape Provinces of South Africa. Downy, silver leaves and small, golden yellow flowers that bloom almost continuously from late spring into late autumn. Hardy to 25 F in average soil and to 20 F and lower in lean, gritty soil that stays dry in winter.
Height: to 1 ft. Spread: to 2 ft.
Position: full sun and well-draining soil
Uses: ornamental, cut flower, to attract pollinators
Winter Hardiness: to 20 F and below
Drought: adapted to 2.5 months of summer drought
Distribution: South Africa (Cape Province)
Care: no special care needed during the growing season, spent flowers can be removed if desired
Notes: a popular method for enjoying gazanias year after year is to grow them in containers and bring them under an awning, inside or in a garage and place them near a window during winter (or if you are lucky enough to have a greenhouse that is even better). They prefer to be on the drier side in winter and will easily winter over if protected from frost.