Tidy Tips Fast Facts

Overview

Tidy tips is a hardy annual native to parts of California. It will reseed readily in areas with mild winters. Tidy tips seed is often included in commercial wildflower mixes and its bright yellow, daisy-like flowers acclimate well to a variety of growing conditions.

Botanical Name

Tidy tips is also known as Layia platyglossa. It is in the Asteraceae family, which includes sunflowers and daisies.

Habit

Tidy tips are low-growing, usually less than 1 foot tall. Flowers sit atop elongated stems.

Color

Bright yellow flowers are tipped with white borders. Flower heads are 2 to 3 inches in diameter.

Hardiness

Tidy tips grow well in USDA zones 3 through 10. Seeds germinate in 10 days and can be sewn outdoors in all zones.

Requirements

Tidy tips is not picky about soil type and will grow easily in most types, but the plant must have full sun. It is drought resistant, but it does not grow well in extreme heat or high humidity.

Use

Low-growing tidy tips is used in borders and containers. Fragrant and brightly colored, it can be planted in meadows as well.

Photo by: Photo by Mark W. Skinner: USDA Plant Database