Swan River Daisy
Brachyscome iberidifolia
Swan River daisy is a dainty Australian annual that forms low mounds covered in masses of small blue, violet, pink, or white daisies. It is a popular, free-flowering choice for containers, baskets, and edging.
- Light
- Full sun
- Water
- Regular; moderate
- Difficulty
- Easy
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Overview
Swan River daisy is a delicate, mound-forming annual named for the Swan River region of Western Australia, where it grows wild. It produces a profusion of small, fragrant daisy flowers over fine, ferny foliage.
The blooms are typically blue to violet with a yellow or dark center, with cultivars also in pink, mauve, and white. Flowering is heaviest in the cooler parts of the growing season.
Compact, tidy, and floriferous, it is widely used as a filler in mixed containers and baskets and as a soft edging plant.
How to identify it
- Habit: Low, mounding annual usually 8-18 in tall and wide.
- Flowers: Small (about 1 in) daisy flowers in blue, violet, mauve, pink, or white, with a yellow or dark central disk; often lightly fragrant.
- Leaves: Finely divided, ferny, light green foliage.
- Bloom: Abundant, especially in cool conditions.
- Form: Neat and bushy, good for containers.
Care & growing
Light: Full sun for the most flowers.
Water: Moderate, regular watering; keep soil from drying out completely.
Soil: Well-drained soil or quality potting mix.
Temperature: A warm-season annual that flowers best in mild, cool weather and may slow in extreme heat.
Feeding: Light, regular feeding sustains container plants.
Propagation: Grown from seed or cuttings. Shear lightly after the first flush to encourage rebloom and keep plants compact.
Habitat & origin
Native to Australia, especially the south and west, including the Swan River area of Western Australia, where it grows in open, sunny, sandy or rocky sites.
Grown worldwide as a warm-season annual for containers, hanging baskets, window boxes, and border edging, prized for its delicate, abundant bloom.
Uses & benefits
Ornamental: A favorite filler and edging plant for containers, baskets, and the front of borders, offering a haze of small daisies.
Pollinators: The daisy flowers attract bees and other small pollinators.
Design: Its fine texture and cool colors blend well with bolder companion plants.
Frequently asked questions
Where does the name come from?
It is named for the Swan River region of Western Australia, part of its native range, combined with its daisy-like flowers.
Is it an annual or perennial?
It is most often grown as a warm-season annual, though it can behave as a short-lived tender perennial in mild climates.
How do I keep it blooming?
Grow it in full sun, water regularly, and shear lightly after the first flush to encourage a fresh round of flowers.
Is brachyscome the same as brachycome?
Yes, both spellings refer to the same genus; brachyscome is the currently accepted spelling.
Swan River Daisy guides
In-depth guides for identifying, growing, and caring for Swan River Daisy.
