Flower shapes - Daisy

Daisy flowers are compound flower heads made up of tiny florets all packed together. They provide both pollen and nectar.

Some have tiny florets that are too small for bees but suitable for smaller insects like hoverflies, while others have larger central florists and attract a wide range of insects.

So many to choose from but all look great as part of a natural planting scheme. Here are some of my favourites: 

Annual sunflowers (Helianthus annuus)

Dual purpose flower with pollen for the bees and seed heads providing a winter feast for the birds.

Michaelmas daisy (Symphyotrichum also known as Asters)

Flowing in late summer and autumn provide a splash of colour and source of nectar and pollen for late flying insects. 

Pincushion (Scabious)

A meadow flower that is at home in a cottage garden. Come in a variety of colours.

Cosmos (Cosmos bipinnatus)

delicate flowers and frilly foliage. They come in a variety of shades of pink and white but ‘Candy Stripe’ is one of my favourites.

Marigold (Calendula officinalis)

Deep orange flowers and a cluster of tiny inflorescences full of nectar.