Bull’s Eye

Bull’s Eye: A Cheerful South African Daisy for Warm Climate Gardens

Looking for a compact, colorful shrub that blooms almost year-round? Meet bull’s eye (Euryops chrysanthemoides), a petite South African native that’s made itself at home in Florida’s warm climate. With its cheerful yellow daisy flowers sporting distinctive dark centers – hence the bull’s eye name – this little shrub packs a lot of personality into a small package.

What Is Bull’s Eye?

Bull’s eye is a low-growing perennial shrub that typically stays under 1.5 feet tall and never exceeds 3 feet at maturity. This compact size makes it perfect for gardeners who want color without the commitment of larger plants. The plant produces masses of bright yellow daisy-like flowers with dark centers throughout most of the year in warm climates, creating a stunning display that’s hard to ignore.

Where Does Bull’s Eye Grow?

Originally from South Africa’s Cape region, bull’s eye has established itself in Florida, where it thrives in the warm, sunny conditions. As a non-native species that reproduces on its own in the wild, it’s found a comfortable niche in the Sunshine State’s diverse plant communities.

Why Gardeners Love (and Sometimes Question) Bull’s Eye

There’s plenty to appreciate about this cheerful little shrub:

• Nearly year-round blooming in warm climates
• Compact size perfect for small spaces and containers
• Drought tolerant once established
• Attracts bees and butterflies
• Low maintenance requirements
• Excellent for rock gardens and borders

However, since bull’s eye isn’t native to North America, some gardeners prefer to choose native alternatives that better support local ecosystems. If you’re interested in native options, consider plants like blanket flower (Gaillardia) or black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia) for similar daisy-like blooms.

Perfect Garden Spots for Bull’s Eye

Bull’s eye shines in Mediterranean-style gardens, drought-tolerant landscapes, and coastal settings. It’s particularly well-suited for:

• Rock gardens and xeriscapes
• Container gardening
• Border plantings
• Small-space gardens
• Coastal landscapes

Growing Conditions and Care

Bull’s eye is refreshingly easy to grow if you can provide the right conditions. This sun-loving plant thrives in USDA hardiness zones 9-11, making it perfect for Florida and other warm coastal areas.

Light: Full sun is essential for the best flowering

Soil: Well-draining soil is crucial – sandy or rocky soils work beautifully

Water: Drought tolerant once established, but appreciates occasional deep watering during dry spells

Temperature: Frost sensitive, so it’s best suited for consistently warm climates

Planting and Care Tips

Getting bull’s eye established in your garden is straightforward:

• Plant in spring when temperatures are consistently warm
• Space plants 12-18 inches apart to allow for mature spread
• Water regularly during the first few months, then reduce frequency once established
• Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming
• Prune lightly to maintain shape and prevent legginess
• No fertilizer needed in most soils

Supporting Local Wildlife

While bull’s eye may not be native, it does offer some benefits to local pollinators. The nectar-rich flowers attract bees and butterflies, providing a food source throughout much of the year. However, for maximum ecological benefit, consider incorporating native flowering plants alongside or instead of bull’s eye to better support your local wildlife community.

The Bottom Line

Bull’s eye is a charming, low-maintenance option for warm climate gardeners who want reliable color and easy care. While it’s not native to North America, it’s not considered invasive either, making it a reasonable choice for those who appreciate its cheerful blooms and compact habit. Just remember to balance your plant choices with native species that provide maximum benefits to local ecosystems – your garden (and local wildlife) will thank you for the diversity!