Daisy

Daisies are one of the most universally loved flowers in the world. Simple, cheerful, and instantly recognisable, they carry a sense of innocence and joy that is almost impossible to replicate with any other flower. They are the flower most people remember from childhood, picked from a garden, threaded into a chain, or given to someone you love without ceremony or occasion. That simplicity is their greatest strength.

What daisies mean and when to gift them

Daisies represent innocence, purity, and new beginnings. In the language of flowers, a daisy says: I will keep your secret. They are associated with loyal love and the kind of affection that does not need grand gestures to be genuine.

White daisies with yellow centres, the classic Shasta daisy, are the most widely recognised variety and carry the purest associations with innocence and simplicity. They are a beautiful choice for new baby gifts, get well soon flowers, and any occasion where you want to send something that feels genuinely warm and uncomplicated.

Coloured daisies, including the bold, vibrant varieties used in mixed arrangements, carry the same core meanings but with an added sense of energy and joy. They are a popular choice for birthday bouquets, particularly for recipients who prefer something cheerful and unpretentious over something formal.

The daisy is the birth flower for April, making it a particularly meaningful choice for spring birthday bouquets.

How long do daisies last

Cut daisies typically last between seven and ten days with proper care. They are not the longest-lasting stem, but they are reliably cheerful throughout their vase life. Keeping the water clean is particularly important for daisies, as they are prone to bacterial build-up that can shorten their vase life significantly.

How to care for them

Trim the stems at a 45-degree angle on arrival and place them in a clean vase with fresh, cool water. Remove any leaves that would sit below the waterline. Daisy leaves decompose quickly in water and can cause bacterial build-up. Change the water every two days and re-trim the stems each time.

Keep daisies away from direct sunlight, heat, and fruit bowls. They prefer a cool environment and will last longest in a room that does not get too warm. If the petals begin to droop, re-cut the stems and place in fresh water. They often recover quickly.

Are daisies safe for cats and dogs

This depends on the variety. Common daisies and Shasta daisies are mildly toxic to cats and dogs. Ingestion can cause mild gastrointestinal upset, drooling, and skin irritation. They are not considered severely toxic, but should be kept out of reach of pets as a precaution.

Gerbera daisies, by contrast, are completely non-toxic to both cats and dogs and are a safe alternative if you want a daisy-like flower for a pet-owning household.

When to send daisies

Daisies are available year-round and suit almost any occasion. They are particularly well-suited to birthdays, especially April birthdays where they are the birth flower, and to get well soon arrangements, where their cheerful, uncomplicated appearance is exactly what is needed.

Send daisies for new baby gifts, where their association with innocence and new beginnings feels particularly fitting. Send them for birthdays when the recipient appreciates something cheerful and unpretentious. Send them as part of a mixed arrangement when you want to add a natural, garden-fresh quality.

Daisies are the April birth flower. For anyone searching for April birthday flowers that feel genuinely meaningful and seasonal rather than generic, they are one of the most charming choices available.

Shop arrangements that include daisies

Our florist's choice bouquet is designed weekly and features seasonal stems including daisies. Available with free UK delivery from £34.

Related guides:

Gerbera Guide

All flower guides