Daisy Flowers

Daisy flowers are composite blooms in the Asteraceae family with a central disk and surrounding rays. Popular types include common daisy (Bellis), Shasta/oxeye daisies (Leucanthemum), and Gerbera daisies. They’re prized for their cheerful look, long blooming, and good vase life.

Occasions & recipients

Find flowers by occasion

Best occasions

  • Get well soon
  • New baby
  • Congratulations
  • Mother’s Day
  • Friendship
  • Birthdays

Suitable for

  • Friends
  • Colleagues
  • Teachers
  • Neighbors
  • Young families
  • New romance
Color taboos
  • All-white bouquets for celebratory gifts in parts of East Asia
  • Black-dyed daisies seen as somber
  • Yellow may signal jealousy in some cultures
  • Artificially blue-dyed can stain and feel inauthentic
Card messages
  • Wishing you a bright, cheerful day—hope these daisies make you smile!
  • Congratulations on your new beginning!
  • Get well soon—sending sunshine your way.
  • Thanks for being a ray of sunshine in my life.
  • Happy Mother’s Day—your love is always blooming.

At a glance

Key details

Quick reference for habitat, gifting etiquette, and safety when choosing flowers for different occasions and recipients.

Use this section as a practical checklist: where they grow, how to present them thoughtfully, and what to keep in mind regarding toxicity and sensitivity.

Botanical info

Taxonomy
Family: Asteraceae (Compositae); common daisy types span several genera, notably Bellis (common daisy), Leucanthemum (oxeye/Shasta), and Gerbera (Gerbera daisies).
Distribution
Native chiefly to Europe and Africa depending on genus; now widely naturalized and cultivated across temperate to subtropical regions worldwide.
Conservation
Most ornamental daisies are not threatened; some wild species have regional protection. Source nursery-propagated plants and avoid wild collection to protect native populations.
Presentation etiquette
Present in a clean, simple vase or airy hand-tied bouquet; remove foliage below the waterline and include a water source if traveling. In East Asia avoid all-white bouquets for celebrations; white is suitable for condolences. Keep the style casual and cheerful.
Ideal delivery time
Deliver in the cool morning; for events, 1 day prior so blooms can open. Protect from heat and drafts during transport.
Toxicity
Generally low to humans. Some species (e.g., oxeye daisy) may cause mild gastrointestinal upset in pets if ingested; sap can irritate skin in sensitive individuals (Asteraceae contact dermatitis).
Allergenicity
Moderate; pollen can trigger hay fever, and Asteraceae sesquiterpene lactones may cause contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals.

Meaning & taboos

Symbolism & color
Daisies traditionally represent innocence and purity, and by extension cheerful optimism and fresh starts; specific types and colors add nuances such as loyal love and motherhood.

Growing & tools

Care & gear
Growing tips
Most daisies prefer full sun (6–8 h), well-drained soil, and moderate water. Deadhead to prolong bloom; divide clumps every 2–3 years (Shasta). Hardy perennials (Shasta: USDA 5–9); Gerbera is tender (8–10) or grown as annual/houseplant. Avoid soggy soils and overcrowding.
Recommended tools
  • Hand trowel
  • Bypass pruners or snips
  • Watering can or drip hose
  • Garden gloves
  • Mulch
Symbolizes
  • Innocence
  • Purity
  • Cheerfulness
  • New beginnings
  • Loyal love
  • Motherhood