Heartleaf Daisy (Bellis cordifolia)

Photo: Frank VincentzCC BY-SA 3.0via Wikimedia Commonsresized / cropped

Heartleaf Daisy Plant Care

Bellis cordifolia Willk.

Updated · Sources · How we source care data

This plant is easily recognizable by its heart-shaped leaves, which add a unique touch to any garden. Originating from the grasslands of Central Europe, Bellis cordifolia is highly sought after by plant collectors for its charming appearance and ability to attract butterflies and pollinators.

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Water

Every 4–7 days

Light

Full sun to partial shade

Temp

50–75°F

Humidity

40–70%

At a glance

How do you care for Heartleaf Daisy?

Plant Heartleaf Daisy in full sun to partial shade (USDA zones 12a) and water a young shrub every 4–7 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 50–75°F (10–24°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.

Where Is the Heartleaf Daisy Native To?

Native range1 country

What Is the Heartleaf Daisy?

Heartleaf Daisy (Bellis cordifolia) belongs to the Asteraceae family within the Bellis genus. Heartleaf Daisy is native to Spain. Heartleaf Daisy is also known as Bellium cordifolium.

Heartleaf Daisy displays a low rosette, clumping growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 0.5 ft. Heartleaf Daisy produces small daisy-like flowers in white, pink, or red.

Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.

How Often Should You Water a Heartleaf Daisy?

Water a young or newly planted Heartleaf Daisy every 4–7 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Watering Frequency

Every 4–7 days

Until established; then in dry spells

What Light Does the Heartleaf Daisy Need?

Heartleaf Daisy thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Light Requirement

Full sun to partial shade

What Temperature and Humidity Does the Heartleaf Daisy Prefer?

Bellis cordifolia tolerates temperatures of 50–75°F. Heartleaf Daisy prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Temperature

50–75°F

Humidity

40–70%

What Soil Mix Works Best for a Heartleaf Daisy?

Well-draining, fertile soil with added compost. Good drainage is essential for Heartleaf Daisy to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

How Often Should You Fertilize a Heartleaf Daisy?

Feed Heartleaf Daisy every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

Fertilizing

Every 6 months

During the growing season

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Where Should You Plant a Heartleaf Daisy?

Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining, fertile soil with added compost. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Heartleaf Daisy is suited to USDA Zone 12a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

How Far Apart Should You Plant a Heartleaf Daisy?

Heartleaf Daisy can spread to about 1 ft (0.2 m) and reach about 1 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 1 ft (0.2 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

How Do You Prune a Heartleaf Daisy?

Prune Heartleaf Daisy while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

How Do You Care for a Heartleaf Daisy in Winter?

Heartleaf Daisy is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

How Do You Propagate a Heartleaf Daisy?

Heartleaf Daisy can be propagated through seeds, division of clumps. Similar propagation techniques also apply to azores daisy plant care, which shares the same genus.

Is the Heartleaf Daisy Toxic to Pets and Children?

Pet safety not verified

The ASPCA does not list Heartleaf Daisy, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.

This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

What Pests and Diseases Affect the Heartleaf Daisy?

Heartleaf Daisy is susceptible to aphids, slugs, snails. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Heartleaf Daisy Need?

Heartleaf Daisy grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Heartleaf Daisy is native to Spain. In cooler regions, grow Heartleaf Daisy as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.

Hardiness Zone

Zone 12a

Keep exploring plants

Heartleaf Daisy is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.

It belongs to the Bellis genus — compare its care with other Bellis species on PlantoScan.

Bellis is part of the Asteraceae plant family — browse all Asteraceae genera and species.

Heartleaf Daisy thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.

More Bellis Species

Other Bellis species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:

Sources

  • Scientific name & taxonomy: Bellis cordifolia Willk., family Asteraceae (first published in Illustr. Fl. Hisp. 47-.) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
  • Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Heartleaf Daisy, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
  • Photo: Frank Vincentz, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons — original.
  • Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 12a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
  • Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.

Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.

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