Gazania 'Totonaca'
Common name(s): treasure flower
Description: perennial (requires protection from frost); a selection with dark red-orange petals that blur into bright yellow margins. Flowers open and close with the sun and bloom almost continuously from late spring into late autumn (and almost year round in a greenhouse). Bred for long-lasting cut flowers. 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
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.