Treasure flower (Gazania linearis 'Colorado Gold')
Discover Gazania linearis 'Colorado Gold', the cold-hardy Treasure flower, offering low-maintenance, sun-loving yellow blooms in zones 5-9.
Scroll down to discover growing tips, care requirements, companion plants, and more
Complete Plant Information
Overview
The Treasure flower, specifically Gazania linearis ‘Colorado Gold’, is a highly valuable addition to sunny, drier garden spots. This compact, cold-hardy herbaceous perennial brings reliable, vibrant golden-yellow color at a very low maintenance level. It forms neat, ground-hugging mats perfect for softening edges or filling in difficult sunny exposures.
Unlike many tender Gazania hybrids, Gazania linearis ‘Colorado Gold’ offers superior winter survival, thriving reliably even in colder northern climates. Its resilience to drought, once established, makes it an excellent choice for xeriscaping or water-wise gardening where other ornamentals might struggle.
The striking daisy-like flowers open fully under direct morning sun, providing continuous spectacle from early summer through mid-summer. Investing in Gazania linearis ‘Colorado Gold’ guarantees a durable, low-growing splash of brilliance perfect for rock gardens and border fronts.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Asteraceae
- Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 5-9
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 0.25-0.5 ft
- Spread: 0.5-1 ft
- Bloom Time: June to July
- Bloom Description: Yellow
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Water Needs: Medium
- Maintenance Level: Low
How to Grow
Planting Gazania linearis ‘Colorado Gold’ should occur after the last spring frost, ensuring the location provides full, unfiltered sun exposure throughout the day. This Treasure flower excels in sandy or average, well-drained soils; excellent drainage is crucial to prevent root issues. While establishment requires consistent moisture, established clumps tolerate periods of dryness, preferring somewhat drier conditions over soggy roots.
Watering needs are medium for young plants, but mature specimens show good drought tolerance, a key benefit of this specific Gazania linearis cultivar. Avoid heavy fertilization; rich soil may promote excessive foliage growth at the expense of blooms. Deadheading spent flowers regularly will encourage a longer bloom period extending from June into July.
For winter preparation in Zone 5 gardens, ensure the plant is not overly wet heading into dormancy. While more cold-tolerant than many relatives, heavy, wet snow loads coupled with inadequate drainage can be detrimental. Species plants offer easy propagation via seed sown in fall or winter, or through summer cuttings and division.
Landscape Uses
Gazania linearis ‘Colorado Gold’ serves beautifully as a low-growing ornamental, offering a dense flowery carpet where shearing might otherwise be needed. It is highly recommended for mass planting in sunny beds, providing excellent coverage and unifying large areas with consistent color.
Use the Treasure flower along border fronts to soften hard edges or cascade slightly over retaining walls in rock gardens. Its compact one-foot spread makes it an ideal edger, creating a neat boundary. Furthermore, its drought tolerance makes Gazania linearis ‘Colorado Gold’ an excellent component for mixed containers that see intense summer sun.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
Noteworthy Characteristics
Gazinia linearis, commonly called treasure flower, is a compact cold hardy herbaceous perennial that is native to grassy slopes and rocky cliffs in the Drakensberg Mountains of South Africa. It produces a ground-hugging mat, generally 3-4” tall, featuring shiny green leaves that are whitish tomentose beneath. The solitary, golden yellow, daisy-like flowers bloom on scapes rising slightly above the foliage, often displaying dark brown basal spots ringing the center disk. The cultivar ‘Colorado Gold’ is particularly valued for its reliable hardiness and silvery leaf undersides.
Tolerances
- Drought
Potential Problems
The Treasure flower is generally free from serious insect or disease issues when cultural requirements are met. The primary management concern revolves around overly moist soils, which can quickly invite root and stem rot, especially during humid periods. Prevention involves ensuring superb drainage, as heavy clay soils should be strictly avoided. Furthermore, plants may occasionally suffer from powdery mildew, bacterial leaf spot, or fungal spots, though vigilant deadheading and good air circulation mitigate fungal spread. Watch for occasional minor pest issues like thrips or mealybugs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Treasure flower suitable for?
Gazania linearis ‘Colorado Gold’ is suitable for USDA Zones 5 through 9, making it much hardier than many other commercially available Gazanias.
How large does Gazania linearis ‘Colorado Gold’ grow?
This perennial typically reaches a short height between 0.25 and 0.5 feet (3 to 6 inches) and spreads between 0.5 and 1 foot wide.
What sun exposure does Gazania linearis ‘Colorado Gold’ need?
This brilliant yellow bloomer requires full sun to achieve its best flowering performance.
When does Treasure flower bloom?
The primary bloom time for the Treasure flower is late spring through mid-summer, specifically noted as June to July, featuring bright yellow coloration.
Conclusion
The Gazania linearis ‘Colorado Gold’ brings exceptional value to the landscape, offering brilliant yellow, low-maintenance color resistant to dry conditions. This cold-hardy Treasure flower thrives in full sun and well-drained earth, making it far more versatile than its tender relatives. Before planting, confirm that your site offers the necessary drainage and maximum sun exposure to ensure your Gazania linearis ‘Colorado Gold’ performs beautifully year after year.
Propagation Tips
Since Gazania linearis ‘Colorado Gold’ is an herbaceous perennial known for spreading, dividing established clumps is an effective way of increasing your stock. Division is best performed in the spring when new growth begins to emerge, allowing the separated sections to establish roots before the heat of summer. Alternatively, seed propagation is possible; seeds should be sown in the fall or winter for future germination cycles.
Companion Planting
Because the Treasure flower demands full sun and excellent drainage, pair Gazania linearis ‘Colorado Gold’ with other Mediterranean or drought-tolerant species. Excellent companions include Sedums, Sempervivums, creeping Thyme, or low-growing varieties of Coreopsis that share similar low-water needs. Avoid planting near moisture-loving perennials, as overly irrigated neighbors can negatively affect soil conditions around the base of your Gazania.
