Daisies are known for their cheerful appearance, with their vibrant, sunny centers and bold petals.

The name daisy comes from the Old English word dægeseage, meaning day's eye, because the flowers open with the sun and close at night.

Since Victorian times, daisies have symbolized purity and innocence, and they remain a popular choice in floral arrangements and daisy chains. Daisies are incredibly uplifting flowers that can brighten any garden. These resilient and low-maintenance flowers, which belong to the Asteraceae family, come in a variety of types, each adding unique beauty to any garden. Here are eight varieties to consider for your own backyard for a burst of color.

1. English Daisy

The English daisy (Bellis perennis), also called the common daisy, typically features white petals, though it can also bloom in shades of pink and rose. Its bright yellow center is a signature characteristic of this classic flower. English daisies are perennials in most regions, but they tend to be biennial in the southern U.S. and annual in the northern U.S.

2. African Daisy

The African daisy (Osteospermum spp.), native to South Africa, is a vibrant relative of the traditional daisy. Known for its brilliant hues, including yellow, pink, fuchsia, blue, and purple, the petals are often contrasted with striking blue or purple metallic centers. Sometimes called blue-eyed daisies.

3. Gloriosa Daisy

Gloriosa daisies, also known as Black-Eyed Susans, are vibrant, easy-to-grow perennials. Their bright yellow petals, often edged with fiery red, surround a striking dark brown center, creating a bold and eye-catching appearance. These resilient flowers can bloom well into the fall.

4. Blue Marguerite Daisy

The Blue Marguerite daisy (Felicia amelloides), also called the blue daisy bush or blue felicia, boasts vibrant sky-blue flowers with bright yellow centers. These cheerful plants form compact, rounded bushes with soft green leaves that stay lush year-round in warmer climates.

5. Shasta Daisy

The Shasta daisy (Leucanthemum and superbum) features large, white blooms with bright yellow centers, resembling the classic daisy. This striking plant is a hybrid, created by blending the finest traits of oxeye daisies with other European and Japanese species.

6. Cape Daisy

The Cape daisy (Dimorphotheca ecklonis), also known as Cape Marguerite, is a flowering shrub that can grow up to 3 feet tall. Its bright pink, white, or purple flowers have a distinctive blue-violet ring around dark centers.

7. Indian Chrysanthemum Daisy

The Indian Chrysanthemum daisy (Chrysanthemum indicum) is a vibrant plant with daisy-like flowers in yellow or white, complemented by dark green, deeply lobed leaves.

8. Gerbera Daisy

The Gerbera daisy (Gerbera jamesonii) features large, colorful blooms in a range of hues, including yellow, orange, pink, red, and white.