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Arctotis (African Daisy)

African Daisy

Arctotis, arctotis x hybrida, African daisy, arctotis The Raven Series, Arctotis x hybrida Flame, Arctotis Bumble Bee, Arctotis Arc of Fire, Arctotis Pumpkin Pie, Arctotis Sunspot, Arctotis Pink Sugar, Drought tolerant flowers, Long blooming season

Bursting with vibrant daisy-like blooms in a kaleidoscope of colors, Arctotis (African Daisy) adds a splash of joy and beauty to your garden while thriving in drought conditions.

What is African Daisy?

Arctotis is a genus of flowering plants native to dry stony slopes in southern Africa, particularly South Africa. Most African daisies grown in our gardens are hybrids resulting from a cross between Arctotis fastuosa and Arctotis venusta.

Description: Arctotis, commonly known as African daisy, are annual or perennial plants. They are prized for their vibrant daisy-like flowers that often have contrasting dark-colored centers. The flowers close in the evening or during dull weather and reopen in brighter light.

Growth Habit & Size: Arctotis typically grows in a mound or spreading form with a low to medium height. Depending on the species and variety, plants can range from about 1-2 feet (30-60 cm) in height with a spread of 1 foot (30 cm) wide.

Flowers: The flowers of Arctotis are its most remarkable feature. They are large, up to 3 inches (8 cm), daisy-like, and come in a variety of bright colors, including orange, yellow, pink, purple, and white. They often have a contrasting dark or black center which can be quite striking.

Foliage: The leaves of Arctotis plants are usually finely cut, velvety, and silvery-green.

Blooming Season: Arctotis flowers generally bloom from late spring through fall. Arctotis will stop blooming in summer until the temperature cools off.

Hardiness: The hardiness of Arctotis varies depending on the species. Some are quite frost-tolerant, while others prefer warmer climates. Generally, they are hardy in USDA zones 9-11.

Uses: Arctotis is widely used in gardens for borders, rock gardens, containers, or ground covers. It is salt tolerant, so great in coastal areas. Their vibrant, long-lasting flowers add a splash of color to any landscape. They’re also used for cut flowers.

Pollinators: The bright flowers of Arctotis attract a variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies.

Toxicity: There’s no widespread evidence to suggest that Arctotis is toxic to humans or animals. However, as with all plants, it’s always a good idea to prevent ingestion by children or pets.

Deer and Rabbit: Arctotis is generally resistant to deer and rabbits, likely due to its slightly hairy leaves.

Drought: Arctotis plants are drought-tolerant, making them a great choice for xeriscaping or areas with low rainfall.

Invasiveness: Arctotis is not typically invasive, but it can self-seed under ideal conditions. Arctotis stoechadifolia exhibits rapid spread through seed dispersal and stem node rooting, leading to its invasive nature in regions such as California and Australia. Caution should be exercised to prevent its uncontrolled proliferation and potential ecological impacts.

Guide Information

Hardiness 9 - 11
Heat Zones 10 - 11
Climate Zones 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Perennials
Genus Arctotis
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Height 1' - 2'
(30cm - 60cm)
Spread 1' (30cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Tolerance Drought, Deer, Rabbit, Dry Soil
Attracts Birds, Butterflies, Bees
Landscaping Ideas Beds And Borders, Patio And Containers
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Coastal Garden, Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Mediterranean Garden
Arctotis The Ravers ‘Pumpkin Pie’ (African Daisy)
Arctotis x hybrida ‘Flame’ (African Daisy)
Arctotis x hybrida ‘Wine’ (African Daisy)

Why Should I Grow African Daisies?

Growing African daisies in your garden, comes with a range of benefits:

Vibrant Colors: The bright, daisy-like flowers of Arctotis are a standout feature in any garden. They come in a variety of colors including orange, pink, yellow, and white, which can add a pop of color to your landscape.

Long Blooming Period: Arctotis blooms from late spring to fall, providing long-lasting color in your garden.

Drought Tolerance: Arctotis is remarkably drought-tolerant. If you live in a region with low rainfall or want to conserve water, these plants are an excellent choice.

Low Maintenance: These plants are ideal for gardeners who want maximum impact with minimal effort. They are hardy, can thrive in poor soils, and require little care once established.

Attracts Pollinators: The vibrant flowers of Arctotis are a magnet for bees and butterflies, making them a great choice for those wishing to support local pollinators.

Versatility: Arctotis can be used in a variety of garden settings, including borders, rock gardens, or as ground cover. They also work well in containers.

Deer and Rabbit Resistance: Arctotis is typically resistant to deer and rabbits, so it’s an excellent option for areas where these animals may be a problem.

Remember, despite all these benefits, Arctotis does best in sunny locations with well-draining soil. Keep this in mind when deciding where to plant it in your garden.

Arctotis

Garden Design with African Daisy

Designing a garden with Arctotis can add vibrant colors and interest to your landscape. Here are a few ideas:

Colorful Borders: African Daisies can be used to create a bright, cheerful border along paths or garden beds. Their vibrant flowers and compact growth habit make them a great choice for this purpose.

Rock Gardens: Arctotis plants are perfect for rock gardens because of their drought tolerance and ability to thrive in poor soils. Their bright flowers can bring a burst of color to the otherwise neutral tones of a rock garden.

Mixed Beds: Pair African Daisies with other sun-loving perennials and annuals for a mixed bed with continuous color. Good companions might include lavenders, sedums, and ornamental grasses.

Container Gardens: African Daisies work well in containers. You can use them alone for a bold statement or mix them with other drought-tolerant plants for a varied display. They can add height and color when paired with trailing plants like ivy or creeping sedum.

Wildlife Garden: Because Arctotis attracts pollinators, consider incorporating them into a wildlife-friendly garden. They pair well with other pollinator-friendly plants like salvia, echinacea, and buddleia.

Xeriscaping: Given their drought tolerance, African Daisies are an excellent choice for xeriscaping or dry gardens. Use them with other drought-tolerant plants like succulents, yucca, or agave.

Remember, regardless of how you decide to use African Daisies in your garden design, these plants prefer sunny spots and well-drained soil. Given the right conditions, they’ll provide a spectacular display of color from spring through fall.

Companion Plants

African Daisy can be paired with several companion plants to create a vibrant and diverse garden display. Here are a few companion plants that would pair well with Arctotis:

Lavender: The contrasting purple hues and aromatic foliage of lavender can create a delightful sensory combination with the bright colors of Arctotis.

Sedum: Sedums are succulents that share Arctotis’s love for sun and well-drained soil. They can create a contrasting texture with their thick, fleshy leaves.

Ornamental Grasses: Ornamental grasses like blue fescue or fountain grass can provide a contrasting texture and movement in the breeze, highlighting the vibrant colors of Arctotis.

Echinacea (Coneflower): These perennials are drought-tolerant like Arctotis and have daisy-like flowers in colors that can complement or contrast with Arctotis.

Other Drought-Tolerant Perennials: Consider pairing Arctotis with other drought-tolerant perennials such as salvia, agastache, and yarrow.

Succulents: Plants like echeveria and sempervivum also appreciate the sunny, well-draining conditions that Arctotis loves and can provide interesting leaf forms and colors to contrast with the African Daisy.

Trailing Plants: In container plantings, consider pairing Arctotis with trailing plants like creeping thyme or trailing lobelia to create a layered effect.

When choosing companion plants, it’s important to consider their light and water requirements to ensure they are compatible with Arctotis. The plants mentioned above share similar needs and should thrive together.

Companion Plants for African Daisies

Sedum (Stonecrop)
Echinacea (Coneflower)
Lavandula angustifolia (English Lavender)
Agastache (Hyssop)
Achillea (Yarrow)
Agave
Aeonium
Echeveria
Pelargonium (Geranium)

Growing Tips

Growing Arctotis is relatively straightforward due to its hardy nature. Here are the steps to follow:

Location: Arctotis prefers a location with full sun for most of the day. A spot with afternoon shade can be beneficial in hot climates.

Soil: Plant Arctotis in well-drained soil. The plant prefers slightly sandy soil, but it can tolerate a range of soil types as long as water doesn’t pool. The soil pH should be neutral to slightly acidic (Soil pH 6 to 7).

Planting: You can start Arctotis from seeds, seedlings, or clippings. If you are starting from seeds, sow them directly into the garden after the last frost date, or start them indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost. If you are transplanting seedlings or plant clippings, dig a hole twice as wide and just as deep as the root ball, place the plant in the hole, and backfill the hole with soil, pressing down firmly.

Watering: Water Arctotis thoroughly after planting. Once established, it’s a drought-tolerant plant and needs only occasional watering. Overwatering or poor drainage can lead to root rot.

Fertilizing: While Arctotis doesn’t require heavy feeding, you can provide a slow-release granular fertilizer in the spring to promote robust growth and abundant flowering. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, which can encourage more foliage growth at the expense of blooms.

Pruning: Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continual blooming. At the end of the season, cut back the plants to ground level to keep the area tidy.

Pests and Diseases: Arctotis is relatively pest-free. However, watch out for aphids or leaf miners.

Overwintering: In colder regions (below USDA zone 9), Arctotis may not survive the winter outdoors. Consider growing it as an annual or moving containers indoors for the winter.

Arctotis is a great choice for low-maintenance gardens, containers, and xeriscaping due to its bright colors and resilience. These plants will reward you with vibrant, long-lasting blooms with relatively little care.

Discover These Helpful Guides for Further Reading

African Daisy: How to Grow and Care with Success
25 Types of Daisies You Should Grow
57 Types of Flowers You Should Grow

Garden Examples

A Glowing Border Idea with Architectural Perennials and Grasses
A Pretty Mediterranean Border Idea
A Fabulous Mediterranean Border
Compare All Arctotis (African Daisy)
Compare Now
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Arctotis (African Daisy)
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 9 - 11
Heat Zones 10 - 11
Climate Zones 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Perennials
Genus Arctotis
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Height 1' - 2'
(30cm - 60cm)
Spread 1' (30cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Tolerance Drought, Deer, Rabbit, Dry Soil
Attracts Birds, Butterflies, Bees
Landscaping Ideas Beds And Borders, Patio And Containers
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Coastal Garden, Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Mediterranean Garden
Compare All Arctotis (African Daisy)
Compare Now
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Arctotis (African Daisy)

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