How to Grow Livingstone Daisy
Livingstone Daisy
Dorotheanthus bellidiformis
flowerLivingstone Daisy is a low-growing, tender succulent annual native to South Africa, known for its vibrant daisy-like flowers in shades of pink, red, orange, yellow, and white. The fleshy, ice-plant-like foliage glistens in sunlight, and flowers typically open during sunny days and close at night or in cloudy weather. It thrives in hot, dry conditions and is ideal for rock gardens, containers, and drought-tolerant landscapes.
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Example Livingstone Daisy timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Livingstone Daisy
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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First Livingstone Daisy blooms
Around Jun 16≈ 60 days after planting
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Zones 9b-11 as an annual; zones 10-11 as a perennial. Grown as a tender annual in cooler climates.
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Get my Livingstone Daisy timeline →Growth Stages
Germination & Seedling
2-3 weeksTiny seedlings with succulent cotyledons emerge within 7-14 days. Foliage is pale green and very delicate.
Keep soil lightly moist (not wet). Provide bright light but not intense direct sun initially. Maintain 65-75°F. Avoid damping-off by ensuring good air circulation.
Vegetative Growth
3-4 weeksSeedlings develop fleshy, ice-plant-like leaves in rosette or low mounding habit. Plant grows compact and bushy with minimal height gain.
Transplant to individual pots once 2-3 true leaves appear. Gradually acclimate to full sun. Water moderately; allow soil to dry slightly between waterings. Begin light fertilizing with dilute low-nitrogen formula.
Budding & Flowering
4-8 weeks (extends with deadheading)Numerous daisy-like flower buds form at stem tips in brilliant colors (pink, red, orange, yellow, white, or bicolor). Flowers open in morning sun and close by evening.
Maintain full sun exposure to maximize blooming. Water only when soil is dry. Fertilize sparingly (excess nitrogen reduces flowers). Flowers last 1-2 days each; many buds ensure continuous color.
Peak Bloom & Decline
4-12 weeks depending on climatePlant reaches maximum flowering and may become leggy if not managed. Flowers persist through hot summer but may slow in extreme heat.
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms. Pinch back leggy stems to promote bushiness. In zones 9-10, plant may persist if protected; in cooler zones, plant naturally declines as temps drop.
End of Season & Decline
4+ weeksPlant gradually stops flowering as temperatures cool (in autumn) or heat intensifies (in desert summers). Foliage may fade; plant becomes sparse.
Allow natural decline or remove plant. Collect seed from faded flowers if desired. In zones 10-11, deadhead and prune to encourage winter dormancy and spring regrowth.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with water or insecticidal soap; use neem oil if infestation is severe.
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Increase humidity by misting; use miticide or neem oil if mites persist.
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Prevent by maintaining well-draining soil and avoiding overwatering. Remove affected plants; repot healthy stems in fresh, dry soil.
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Remove with cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol; spray with insecticidal soap for larger infestations.
Uses
Edible Flowers
CulinaryLivingstone Daisy flowers are mildly edible and occasionally used as colorful garnishes in salads or desserts. They offer a slightly tart, succulent flavor and vibrant visual appeal. [source]
Ornamental Bedding & Container Gardening
HouseholdIdeal for rock gardens, succulent displays, window boxes, hanging baskets, and mixed containers. Thrives in hot, sunny spots where other annuals may struggle. [source]
Pollinator Attraction
WildlifeAttracts bees, butterflies, and beneficial insects with its abundant daisy-like flowers. Provides nectar in sunny, drought-stressed areas where pollinators may be food-scarce. [source]
Seed Collection & Propagation
CraftSeeds are easy to collect and viable for 1-2 seasons, making this plant excellent for seed-saving gardeners and those experimenting with self-sowing annuals. [source]
Harvest Tips
Livingstone Daisies are grown for ornamental flowers rather than harvest. Deadhead (remove spent flowers) regularly to extend blooming season. For seed collection, allow a few flowers to fade on the plant; collect dried seed pods when papery. Flowers open reliably in morning sun and close by afternoon or in shade.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 The common name 'Livingstone Daisy' honors explorer David Livingstone and the plant's native South African habitat. It is also called 'Ice Plant' for the glistening, crystalline bladder cells on its fleshy leaves that refract light like ice.
- 🌱 Livingstone Daisy flowers are heliotropic (sun-responsive), opening only in bright sunlight and closing at dusk or in shade—a strategy that conserves moisture and protects pollen in harsh, dry climates.
- 🌱 This plant thrives in infertile, sandy soils and actually flowers better with minimal fertilizer; excessive nitrogen promotes foliage at the expense of blooms.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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