Angelita Daisy Basics
The Angelita Daisy is a native of Mexico, also called the Sky Flower. It is a Sunflower family member and can be found growing wild in Mexico. The name Angelita translates as “little angel,” which comes from the blooms’ fluffy white, star-like petals.
The plant’s small size makes it ideal for planters, especially hanging baskets or those with a narrow footprint. Keep in mind that, like all daisies, they do require plenty of water while they’re flowering (about 1″ per week), so if you’re traveling or otherwise unable to regularly attend to your plants, you may want to stay away from these beauties.
It is hardy down as low as 20 degrees fahrenheit/6 degrees celsius, but it’s still susceptible to frost in more excellent areas; if you live somewhere colder than this, then you should bring your plant indoors during the winter months and make sure that temperatures don’t drop below freezing at night. Watering frequency will depend on temperature and soil conditions—a good rule of thumb is once every two weeks during summer heatwaves or when temperatures are above 80 degrees Fahrenheit/27 degrees Celsius for extended periods (most often about two weeks). If you want some tips on how best to water your plants, check out our article here!
Water and Care
Watering is the most critical aspect of caring for your Angelita Daisy. You’ll help ensure that your plant stays healthy and grows well, and blooms beautifully with water.
When watering your Angelita Daisy, first make sure that the soil is dry enough to allow water to penetrate deep into it. If the soil’s too wet already, wait until it dries out more before adding more water. To avoid both over-watering and under-watering your Angelita Daisy, we recommend following a regular watering schedule once every week or two.
To water your Angelita Daisy, use a watering can or hose to apply enough water to drain some of it into a tray below. Don’t let the plant sit in water; empty any excess after 30 minutes have passed. When it comes to how much to water at each session, follow our guide: Use 5 cups for small pots and 8 cups for large banks. The best way to tell if you’ve watered enough is to weigh the pot; if it feels light in weight when lifted, then there’s still moisture left in the soil, which means you should continue watering until the pot feels heavy again (which indicates all of the moisture has been absorbed). You can also stick a finger about 1/2 inch deep into the soil if you are unsure about whether or not you’ve watered enough; if it feels damp, then there’s no need for additional watering yet but if it doesn’t feel wet, then continue adding more water until some drains into the tray below. Over-watering is easy to spot because plants will show signs such as wilting leaves and yellowed stems.
Sunlight Needs
You can grow Angelita daisies in full sun or partial shade. Plants need at least six hours of direct sunlight daily to grow and flower properly. In hot climates, plants will appreciate some afternoon shade. If your plant isn’t getting enough sun, it may become leggy with few flowers.
Soil Needs
The Angelita Daisy is relatively easy to take care of. Remember, it’s a desert plant, and it needs space to grow, so give it room. Like mildly acidic soil—pH 5.1-6.5—that drains well but is not too rich in nutrients. Ground that’s too fertile will lead to lush foliage at the expense of blooms, so avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers; your plant will produce more flowers without them. Plant in full sun and keep the soil moist but not wet.
If you’re planning on planting your daisy in a container, make sure it’s big enough for your growing plant and has drainage holes at the bottom!
Fertilizer Needs
When it comes to fertilizing, less can be more. Angelita daisies are heavy feeders, but you don’t want to overdo it with the fertilizer. Apply a water-soluble plant food (like a 10-10-10 mixture) once per month during the growing season, and use half of the recommended amount. If you opt not to use fertilizer, organic compost is sufficient for feeding these hardy plants.
Pruning Requirements
Pruning is essential for maintaining the Angelita Daisy’s size and promoting re-blooming in late summer.
Cut back the foliage on your daisy to about six inches above the ground in early spring before new growth begins.
Remove any remaining dead stalks from winter after new growth has started. You can also cut these back throughout the growing season to maintain shape and encourage branching.
It’s essential to cut back your Angelita Daisy altogether every three years. If your plant starts looking worn out, old or leggy, this is a sign that it may be time for rejuvenation pruning. Cut all of its stems down to about half their height at the end of winter when there are no buds or leaves on them yet, wait a few weeks until they start sprouting again, and then begin regular pruning again (in both early spring and late summer).
Companion Plants and Pollinators
The daisy-like blooms of Angelita daisies are pollinated mainly by hummingbirds. While most butterflies are not attracted to the plant, Angelita daisies can attract the occasional swallowtail butterfly. If you love having a variety of insects, especially bees and butterflies, in your garden all year long, consider planting the Angelita daisy with other plants that will attract these pollinators. Examples include:
- Mexican Sage
- Sunflowers
- Lavender
- Perennial Asters
Angelita daisies are easy to grow, low-maintenance plants that attract hummingbirds.
You’ll be happy to know that these Mexican natives are easy to grow, low-maintenance plants that attract hummingbirds. Their flowers bloom from spring until the first frost, so you’ll have a continuous show of color for a long time.
Angelita daisies are also known as blue-eyed daisies because of their sky-blue petals surrounding a golden center. They have a low, spreading growth habit and are ideal for container gardens or groundcover.