Bourbon Daisy Plant Care

Bourbon Daisy (Heterochaenia borbonica) belongs to the Campanulaceae family within the Heterochaenia genus. Bourbon Daisy is native to the island of Réunion, Mascarene Islands. Bourbon Daisy is also known as Bourbon Feather Grass.

Bourbon Daisy displays a spreading ground cover growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Bourbon Daisy produces small bell-shaped flowers in shades of blue, purple, or white.

Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Bourbon Daisy every 3–5 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.

Bourbon Daisy thrives in partial shade to full shade. The optimal light range is 50–500 lux. Avoid placing Bourbon Daisy in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Heterochaenia borbonica tolerates temperatures of 50–75°F. Bourbon Daisy prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining loamy soil with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Bourbon Daisy to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Bourbon 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.

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

Choose a spot with partial shade to full shade and well-draining loamy soil with added organic matter for moisture retention. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Bourbon Daisy is suited to USDA Zone 10b – 11b.

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.

Bourbon Daisy can spread to about 2 ft (0.5 m) and reach about 1 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.5 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.

Prune Bourbon 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.

Bourbon Daisy is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 10). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Bourbon Daisy can be propagated through seeds, division of rhizomes.

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

Bourbon Daisy is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, slugs. 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.

Bourbon Daisy grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10b – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10b. Bourbon Daisy is native to the island of Réunion, Mascarene Islands. In cooler regions, grow Bourbon Daisy as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.