African Daisy: How to Grow and Care with Success
Osteospermum ecklonis, Osteospermum jucundum, Osteospermum fruticosum
What is Osteosperum or African Daisy?
Osteospermum, commonly known as African daisy, Cape daisy, or blue-eyed daisy, is a genus of flowering plants in the family Asteraceae, which also includes sunflowers, daisies, and asters. These plants are native to South Africa and are widely cultivated for their attractive, daisy-like flowers. There are over 50 species of Osteospermum, with many cultivars and hybrids available, offering gardeners a wide range of colors and flower forms to choose from.
Description: Osteospermum plants have a bushy, spreading growth habit with green to grayish-green, lance-shaped leaves. The flowers resemble daisies and come in various colors, including white, yellow, pink, purple, and blue, often with a darker blue or purple center (hence the name "blue-eyed daisy").
Growth habit and size: Osteospermum typically grows to a height of 1-3 feet (30-90 cm) and spreads to a width of 1-2 feet (30-60 cm), forming a mounded shape.
Flowers: The flowers are composed of two sets of petals – the outer ray florets, which are colorful and flat, and the central disc florets, which are tubular and often a different color. They are generally 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) in diameter and often close at night or during cloudy weather, reopening when the sun returns.
Blooming season: In cool summer climates, these beautiful flowers produce a long-lasting display from spring to frost. In hot summer climates, they bloom their head off from spring to early summer and stop to a complete standstill during hot, dry weather until the weather turns cool again in the fall.
Hardiness: Osteospermum is a tender perennial in USDA hardiness zones 10-11, but it is often grown as an annual in cooler climates.
Uses: Osteospermum is commonly used as a bedding plant, in borders, rock gardens, containers, and hanging baskets. It adds a splash of color to gardens and landscapes and is popular for its long blooming season.
Guide Information
Hardiness |
10 - 11
|
---|---|
Heat Zones |
1 - 6
|
Climate Zones | 8, 9, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 |
Plant Type | Annuals, Perennials |
Plant Family | Osteospermum - African Daisies |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Late) Summer (Early,Mid,Late) Fall |
Water Needs | Low, Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Chalk, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Showy |
Tolerance | Deer, Drought, Rabbit, Salt |
Attracts | Bees, Butterflies |
Landscaping Ideas | Beds and Borders, Edging, Patio and Containers |
Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Coastal Garden, Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Mediterranean Garden |
Sodel Vladyslav, Shutterstock,
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
Guide Information
Hardiness |
10 - 11
|
---|---|
Heat Zones |
1 - 6
|
Climate Zones | 8, 9, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 |
Plant Type | Annuals, Perennials |
Plant Family | Osteospermum - African Daisies |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Late) Summer (Early,Mid,Late) Fall |
Water Needs | Low, Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Chalk, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Showy |
Tolerance | Deer, Drought, Rabbit, Salt |
Attracts | Bees, Butterflies |
Landscaping Ideas | Beds and Borders, Edging, Patio and Containers |
Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Coastal Garden, Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Mediterranean Garden |