Flower Encyclopedia
Daisy
Leucanthemum vulgare
Cheerful, unpretentious blooms that read as fresh, friendly, and honest.
Written by the Burton Floral Design team · Published July 24, 2026
At A Glance
Typical vase life
7–12 days
Availability
Most of the year
Peak months
Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Cost
Budget-friendly
Fragrance
Light
Pollen
Moderate
Care
Easy
Out of water
2–4 hours
Heat tolerance
Moderate
Cold tolerance
Moderate
Outdoor events
Good
Around pets
Use caution
Pets in the house? Use caution.
Daisies in the aster and chrysanthemum family warrant caution around cats and dogs, since chewing can cause drooling, vomiting, or skin irritation. Keep arrangements out of reach, and contact your veterinarian or an animal poison-control service if a pet chews on them.
What It Means
Daisies stand for innocence, purity, and loyal love, and their simple open faces make them a natural symbol of new beginnings and cheerful sincerity. They are the flower people reach for when they want warmth without formality.
Colors it comes in
white · yellow · pink · lavender · peach
Coordinates beautifully with
bright green · sunny yellow · sky blue · white
Season & Sourcing
Common florist daisies, including gerbera-style and spray types in the chrysanthemum family, are grown for most of the year. Field-grown Shasta and oxeye daisies are more seasonal, peaking from late spring through summer.
Vase life, honestly
Daisies are among the more reliable cut flowers, often holding a week or more. Cloudy water shortens that quickly, so change it often and pull any yellowing lower leaves.
Fragrance
Daisy foliage and blooms carry a mild green, slightly herbal scent that some people find sharp up close. It fades in a mixed arrangement and is rarely noticeable across a room.
Keeping It Alive
- 1Recut stems at an angle before the first vase and every couple of days after.
- 2Remove all foliage below the waterline — daisy leaves break down quickly and cloud the water.
- 3Use flower food and change the water every two days.
- 4Keep them out of direct sun and away from ripening fruit.
- 5Discard any stems whose water has turned murky to protect the rest.
What it costs: Daisies are one of the most economical flowers in the cooler, especially spray types that produce many blooms per stem. Specialty painted or tinted daisies cost a little more.
Where It Shines
At weddings
Daisies suit relaxed, garden-style, and rustic weddings where an easygoing look is the point. They fill bouquets and centerpieces affordably and photograph as fresh and unfussy, though they read casual rather than formal.
In sympathy work
White daisies convey gentle innocence and comfort, making them fitting for the loss of a child or for services with a simple, hopeful tone. They work well mixed into home arrangements sent to the family.
Every day
A go-to for get-well, thinking-of-you, and just-because bouquets. Their cheerful faces and long vase life make them one of the best everyday values in the shop.
Can't Get It? Try
A Little History
The name daisy derives from the Old English 'daes eage', meaning day's eye, because the flower closes at night and opens with the sun. True daisies belong to the vast Asteraceae family, one of the largest plant families on earth, which also includes sunflowers and asters.
Questions People Ask
How long do cut daisies last?
With clean water and a fresh cut every couple of days, daisies commonly last seven to twelve days. Removing submerged leaves and changing cloudy water are the two biggest factors in reaching the high end.
Why does my daisy water get cloudy so fast?
Daisy foliage breaks down quickly underwater and feeds bacteria that turn the vase murky. Strip every leaf below the waterline, use flower food, and change the water every day or two.
What do white daisies symbolize?
White daisies represent innocence, purity, and new beginnings, which is why they often appear at christenings, in sympathy for a child, and in relaxed spring celebrations.
Are daisies a concern around pets?
Yes — daisies in the chrysanthemum and aster family warrant caution around cats and dogs and can cause drooling or stomach upset if chewed. Contact your veterinarian or an animal poison-control service if a pet ingests any.
Go Deeper, Free
Understanding Flower Meanings
The Complete Language of Flowers, From Rose Colors to Birth Month Blooms
The Flower Care Handbook
How to Keep Your Flowers Fresh, Beautiful, and Long-Lasting
Choosing the Right Flowers for Every Occasion
A Confident Decision Framework for Birthdays, Romance, Sympathy, and Everything Between
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