Flower Library
Bellis Daisy
Bellis perennis · Korbblütler (Asteraceae)
Everyone knows the daisy from the roadside – but as a cut flower, cultivated bellis with its double pompon blooms is a little rarity. In spring we bring it in by the bunch from the Veiling Rhein-Maas: short-stemmed, charming and made for delicate posies that look like childhood and the first warm days.
- Season
- March – April – May – June
- Vase life
- 4–7 days
- Latin name
- Bellis perennis
- Colors
- White, Pink, Red, White-pink
Cut bellis is the cultivated sister of the meadow daisy: densely double, button-like blooms in white, pink and rich red on short stems of around 10 to 20 centimetres. Varieties of the Tasso series carry almost spherical pompon heads, while the Habanera types show fine, needle-like ray florets.
In floristry, bellis is a miniature character flower: it belongs in small vessels, in spring posies for the bedside table, in flower crowns and delicate table decorations. Between forget-me-nots and small tulips it looks like a piece of meadow you have brought home.
When buying we look for firm, upright heads and fresh, deep-green foliage – limp stems rarely recover with bellis. Vase life is a modest four to seven days; in return it is pleasingly affordable and generous by the bunch.
Stylistically the daisy is the most honest of all spring flowers: unpretentious, nostalgic, a little playful. It suits everything natural and small-tied – and it is a wonderful flower for teaching children the joy of giving blooms.
Is Bellis Daisy toxic to children and pets?
- Children
- Non-toxic
- Cats
- Mildly irritating
- Dogs
- Mildly irritating
Bellis is considered largely harmless; the saponins it contains can cause mild stomach upset in animals if eaten in larger amounts.
In an emergency:call the German poison control centre in Bonn on +49 228 19240 (24/7) — for pets, contact an emergency vet directly. This information does not replace medical or veterinary advice.
Overview: toxic & non-toxic plants for cats, dogs and children
Care
- 01Recut the stems with a sharp knife – do not crush the soft stems.
- 02Stand in shallow, cool water; small vessels suit the short stem length best.
- 03Change the water daily or every other day, as soft stems cloud it quickly.
- 04Keep cool and out of direct sun – the little heads stay firm longer.
- 05Stand drooping heads in cold water overnight, wrapped snugly in paper, and they will usually straighten up again.
Frequently asked
- Can you really buy daisies as cut flowers?
- Yes – though not the wild meadow daisy, but cultivated bellis varieties with double blooms and somewhat longer stems. They arrive at the auction in bunches in spring and are a charming rarity.
- How long does bellis last in a vase?
- Around four to seven days. Shallow, frequently changed water and a cool spot are key – the little pompon heads then hold their shape surprisingly long.
- Is the daisy poisonous?
- No, Bellis perennis is considered non-toxic; the wild form is even edible. With purchased cut or potted stock you should still refrain from eating it, as it may have been treated by the grower.
- What does the daisy mean in the language of flowers?
- For innocence, purity and sincere, unaffected affection. A posy of bellis is therefore a lovely, understated token of real closeness – precisely because it is so modest.