Pericallis cruenta (Florist's Cineraria)

Pericallis (florist's cineraria) are ornamental hybrids derived from Pericallis cruenta and related species, native to the Canary Islands. These compact, bushy plants typically grow up to 2 ft tall and bear lush deep green leaves. They are prized for their profuse, daisy-like blooms in vivid shades of pink, purple, blue, and white, often with bicolored patterns. Flowers are about 2 in across and appear in abundance in late winter to spring, providing intense color during the cooler months when few other plants are in bloom.

Grow Pericallis in full sun to partial shade, in fertile, well-drained soil kept evenly moist. Regular watering and light feeding at the start of the growing season encourage heavy blooming. In colder climates, plants are best grown in containers that can be moved indoors over winter. Deadhead spent blooms and cut back after flowering to maintain compact growth. This short-lived perennial or annual is usually discarded after the flowering period. Hardy in USDA Zones 9 11; grow as an annual elsewhere.