Brachyscome ‘Surdaisy® Pink’: A Delightful and Durable Swan River Daisy
Background: Brachyscome ‘Surdaisy® Pink’ is a charming annual and resilient flowering plant native to Australia. It belongs to the family Asteraceae and is commonly known as the Swan River Daisy. This delightful plant has gained popularity for its durability and beautiful floral display. The Surdaisy Series was developed with excellent branching characteristics, ensuring abundant flowers throughout the growing season. ‘Surdaisy® Pink’ stands out with its large pink flowers and dark foliage, adding vibrant color to any garden or landscape. Other varieties in the Surdaisy Series include Yellow, White, and Mauve, each offering their unique qualities.
Characteristics: The ‘Surdaisy® Pink’ variety of Brachyscome is a low-growing plant, reaching a height of 4 to 8 inches and spreading 6 to 12 inches wide. It blooms from March through October, providing continuous color during the autumn, early spring, summer, and spring seasons. The flowers are a beautiful shade of pink, attracting attention and adding a touch of charm to any setting. The foliage is dark and lush, creating an appealing contrast with the vibrant blooms.
Cultivation of Brachyscome ‘Surdaisy® Pink’:
Sunlight: Brachyscome ‘Surdaisy® Pink’ thrives in partial sun to full sun exposure. It appreciates receiving at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day for optimal growth and flowering.
Watering: Moderate to moist watering is recommended for ‘Surdaisy® Pink.’ Keep the soil consistently moist, allowing it to dry slightly between waterings. Avoid overwatering, as excessive moisture can lead to root rot.
Soil: Plant Brachyscome ‘Surdaisy® Pink’ in a well-drained peat/perlite mix. Ensure the soil is loose and provides good drainage to prevent waterlogged conditions.
Pest and Disease: Brachyscome ‘Surdaisy® Pink’ is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, common issues to watch out for include thrips, whiteflies, aphids, and mites. Regular monitoring and appropriate pest control measures can help prevent and manage infestations.
Propagation:
Propagation of ‘Surdaisy® Pink’ can be done through seeds or cuttings.
Seeds: Sow the seeds in a well-draining potting mix during early spring or summer. Keep the soil consistently moist and place the seeds in a warm and sunny location. Germination typically occurs within 1 to 2 weeks.
Cuttings: Take cuttings from healthy, non-flowering stems in spring or summer. Ensure each cutting is about 4 inches long and has at least 3 nodes. Plant the cuttings in a well-draining potting mix, and keep them moist in a warm and sunny location. Rooting usually takes around 4 to 6 weeks.
Additional Care Tips:
- Pinching: Depending on the pot size, ‘Surdaisy® Pink’ may require one or two pinches to encourage compact and bushy growth. Pinch back the stems to promote branching and fuller plant form.
- Temperature: Brachyscome ‘Surdaisy® Pink’ thrives in daytime temperatures of 65°F to 75°F (18°C to 24°C) and nighttime temperatures of 55°F to 60°F (13°C to 16°C).
- Growth Regulator: While Surdaisy plants generally do not require growth regulators, using them can help prevent stretching and promote a more compact growth habit.
With its durability, charming pink flowers, and dark foliage, Brachyscome ‘Surdaisy® Pink’ is a wonderful addition to container gardens, landscapes, and flowerbeds. Its low-maintenance nature and abundant blooms make it a favorite choice among gardeners seeking vibrant and long-lasting color. With proper care and suitable growing conditions, ‘Surdaisy® Pink’ will reward you with a profusion of delightful pink blooms that will brighten up your garden.
