Care of Gazania Ground Cover

For a drought-tolerant flowering ground cover, try planting one of the many cultivated varieties of gazania. It grows just 6 to 12 inches tall and flowers year-round. The flowers come in shades of red, orange and yellow with numerous variations and multi-colored flowers. Plant gazania in rock gardens and rock walls and around patios. This little flower can take the heat. As a ground cover, gazania works well anywhere it has good drainage and lots of sun.

Trowel
Fertilizer

Instructions

- 1
  Plant gazania in full sun when possible. It can tolerate part shade but tends to flower less vigorously. It requires good drainage and thrives in rocky, sandy or loamy soil.
- 2
  Space the plants 12 inches apart when planting gazania as a ground cover. Dig the holes slightly wider and the same depth as the nursery pots. Turn the pot on its side in your hand and gently pull it out.
- 3
  Set the gazania start upright in the center of the hole and refill the dirt around it. Lightly pack down the soil around the base of each plant and then water the planting area.
- 4
  Water gazania during periods of excessive hot, dry weather when the soil dries out down 4 inches deep or more. Soak each plant and then let the area dry out before watering again. In general, this plant requires very little water.
- 5
  Fertilize just once a year in fall or early spring. Use a 21-0-0 fertilizer and apply the recommended amount on the package label. Water the gazania after you spread the fertilizer.
- 6
  Fill in areas that look thin with new plants and replace poorly performing plants in fall or spring. Gazania is a perennial but the occasional replanting keeps the ground cover looking thick and healthy.

How to Germinate Ipomoea Alba Seeds

How to Grow Cat's Claw Vine in the Desert

Groundcovers & Vines