Flower Library
Swan River Daisy
Brachyscome · Asteraceae
The Swan River daisy is one of the most delicate blooms we work with: coin-sized daisies in lavender blue with a yellow centre on thread-fine stems above filigree foliage. In the vase it is a whisper, not an exclamation mark — and that is exactly why we love it. Via the Veiling Rhein-Maas we receive brachyscome in small, fine lots during the summer season.
- Season
- May – June – July – August – September
- Vase life
- 5–8 days
- Latin name
- Brachyscome
- Colors
- Blue-violet, Lavender blue, Pink, White
The most important species in the trade is Brachyscome iberidifolia, joined by perennial selections such as the „Surdaisy“ series. Typical are the finely divided, almost fern-like foliage and the sheer number of small blooms a well-grown plant carries at once. True blues are rare in floristry — which makes brachyscome interesting despite its short stems.
As a cut flower the Swan River daisy is a niche product for small-format work: posies, vase meadows spread across several mini vessels, boutonnieres and delicate table decoration. In large hand-tied bouquets the little daisies simply disappear; if you use them, give them airy neighbours such as gypsophila or grasses.
More often than in the vase you will meet brachyscome as a bedding and balcony plant. There, with regular deadheading, it flowers tirelessly from May until the frosts, loves full sun and forgives short dry spells — though never waterlogging. For customers who want the look to last longer than a vase week, a planted bowl is often the smarter recommendation.
A typical mistake in cut use is water that is too deep: the soft, thin stems rot quickly when they are submerged too far. A few centimetres of fresh water, checked daily, keep the blooms lively far longer.
In terms of colour the cool blue-violet is a wonderful mediator between white and pink and the classic partner to yellow. With chamomile, marguerites and forget-me-nots it creates a meadow picture that hardly any other commercial flower achieves so effortlessly.
Is Swan River Daisy toxic to children and pets?
- Children
- Non-toxic
- Cats
- Non-toxic
- Dogs
- Non-toxic
The Swan River daisy is considered non-toxic to cats, dogs and children. On very sensitive skin the sap can — as with many composites — occasionally cause mild irritation.
Overview: toxic & non-toxic plants for cats, dogs and children
Care
- 01Cut the stems at an angle with a sharp blade and stand them only a few centimetres deep in water.
- 02Remove all the fine foliage from the lower part of the stem.
- 03Check the water daily and renew it every one to two days.
- 04Place somewhere cool and bright, but out of direct midday sun.
- 05Avoid draughts — the delicate blooms dry out quickly otherwise.
- 06As a potted plant: give it full sun, water moderately and deadhead regularly.
Frequently asked
- Is the Swan River daisy toxic to cats or dogs?
- Brachyscome is considered non-toxic to cats, dogs and children; no serious poisonings are documented. As with all composites, intensive contact can cause mild irritation in sensitive people and animals, but nothing more is to be expected.
- Does brachyscome last as a cut flower in the vase?
- Yes, but only for a limited time: expect five to eight days. The thin stems need shallow, clean water and a cool spot. If you want longer-lasting joy, a potted or bowl plant that flowers all summer is the better pick.
- When does the Swan River daisy flower?
- In beds and on the balcony brachyscome flowers from May until the first frost, provided spent blooms are removed regularly. As cut and potted stock it is available here mainly from May to September via the auction.
- Is brachyscome available in a true blue?
- The common varieties sit between lavender blue and blue-violet — not a botanically true sky blue, but closer to it than most commercial flowers. There are also pink and white selections that mix prettily with the blue ones.