Osteospermum (African Daisy)

What is Special about Osteospermum?

Osteospermum has several special qualities that make it a popular choice for gardeners and landscapers. Some of these unique features include:

Vibrant colors and flower variety: Osteospermum boasts a wide range of flower colors, often with striking dark centers. The flowers come in various forms, such as single, semi-double, or double blooms, offering a diverse palette for garden design.

Long blooming season: African Daisies have a long blooming season, typically from late spring to fall, providing continuous color and visual interest in the garden.

Drought tolerance: Once established, Osteospermum plants are drought-tolerant and can withstand periods of dry weather, making them suitable for water-wise landscaping and xeriscaping.

Attraction to pollinators: African Daisies attract a variety of pollinators, such as bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, making them an excellent addition to pollinator-friendly gardens and contributing to biodiversity.

Adaptability: Osteospermum can grow in various soil types and conditions as long as they have well-draining soil and adequate sunlight. This adaptability makes them suitable for various garden settings, including mixed borders, rock gardens, and containers.

Low maintenance: African Daisies are generally low-maintenance plants, requiring minimal care and upkeep. They are relatively pest and disease-resistant, making them a hassle-free option for busy gardeners.

Versatility in landscape design: Osteospermum’s diverse growth habits, from compact to trailing, make it suitable for a wide range of landscape designs, including ground covers, container gardens, hanging baskets, or mixed plantings.

These special qualities make Osteospermum a popular and attractive choice for many gardeners, providing visual interest, color, and versatility in various garden settings.

Popular Osteospermum Varieties

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. Here are some main types of Osteospermum to consider for your garden:

Osteospermum ecklonis: This species is the most common and widely grown type of African Daisy. It features daisy-like flowers in shades of white, pink, purple, and blue, with dark blue or purple centers. The plants have a mounding growth habit and can reach up to 24 inches (60 cm) in height.

Osteospermum jucundum: This type is known for its compact growth habit, reaching a height of 12-18 inches (30-45 cm). It has vibrant, daisy-like flowers in shades of pink or purple, often with a dark center. The leaves are narrow and slightly serrated.

Osteospermum fruticosum: Commonly known as the shrubby or trailing African Daisy, this type has a spreading or trailing habit, making it suitable for ground covers, rock gardens, or hanging baskets. The flowers are daisy-like, with colors ranging from white to pink, purple, or yellow.

Osteospermum ‘Serenity’ Series: This series of hybrids offers a wide range of flower colors, including shades of pink, purple, yellow, and white. The plants have a compact and mounding growth habit, reaching a height of 12-20 inches (30-50 cm).

Osteospermum ‘Voltage’ Series: This series features bright yellow flowers that stand out in the garden. The plants have a mounding growth habit and can reach up to 12 inches (30 cm) in height.

Osteospermum ‘4D’ Series: This series is known for its double or semi-double flowers that give a fuller, more rounded appearance. The flowers come in a range of colors, including shades of pink, purple, and white. The plants have a compact growth habit, reaching a height of 10-16 inches (25-40 cm).

Osteospermum ‘Tradewinds’ Series: This series offers large, daisy-like flowers in a range of colors, such as white, pink, purple, and yellow. The plants have a mounding growth habit and can reach up to 18 inches (45 cm) in height.

These main types of Osteospermum provide a variety of options for gardeners looking for colorful and versatile plants to add to their landscape. Each type has its unique characteristics, making it suitable for different garden settings and designs.

Garden Design with Osteospermum

Incorporating African Daisies into your garden design can add a burst of color and texture while providing various functional benefits. Here are some ideas for using African Daisies effectively in your garden design:

Mixed borders: Plant Osteospermum alongside other flowering perennials and annuals with complementary colors and textures to create a visually appealing mixed border. Their mounding or spreading habit adds an interesting layer to the planting scheme.

Containers and hanging baskets: Osteospermum is well-suited for container gardens and hanging baskets, particularly the trailing or compact varieties. Use them as a focal point or mix them with other plants for a vibrant display. Choose containers with drainage holes and use well-draining potting mix to prevent waterlogging.

Ground covers: The spreading or trailing varieties of Osteospermum make excellent ground covers, particularly in sunny, well-draining areas. They can help suppress weeds and reduce soil erosion on slopes or banks.

Rock gardens: African Daisies are well-suited for rock gardens, where their drought tolerance and ability to grow in sandy or rocky soils make them a perfect choice. Their vibrant flowers and interesting foliage provide a striking contrast to the stones and rocks.

Pollinator gardens: Osteospermum attracts bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, making them an ideal addition to pollinator-friendly gardens. Plant them alongside other pollinator-attracting plants to support local biodiversity.

Coastal gardens: African Daisies are tolerant of salt spray and sandy soils, making them a suitable choice for coastal gardens or seaside landscapes.

Mass plantings: Plant Osteospermum in large groups or drifts to create a stunning visual impact. Choose a single color or mix several colors for a more dynamic display.

Edging and borders: Use Osteospermum as edging plants along pathways or garden beds. Their compact growth habit and vibrant flowers make them an eye-catching border choice.

When designing your garden with Osteospermum, consider factors such as sunlight, soil conditions, and the desired overall aesthetic. By strategically incorporating African Daisies into your landscape, you can enjoy their vibrant colors, long blooming season, and versatile growth habits throughout the growing season.

Osteospermum Companion Plants

Choosing suitable companion plants for Osteospermum, or African Daisies, can help create a visually appealing garden while promoting overall plant health. Here are some companion plants to consider for African Daisies:

Lavender: Lavender’s silvery foliage and fragrant flowers make it a great companion for Osteospermum. Both plants prefer full sun and well-draining soil, and their contrasting colors and textures create a striking display.

Salvia: Both annual and perennial salvias can be excellent companions for Osteospermum, as they share similar growing conditions and attract pollinators. Their vertical flower spikes create a nice contrast with the mounding habit of African Daisies.

Echinacea: Echinacea is another pollinator-friendly plant that pairs well with Osteospermum. They both enjoy sunny locations and provide long-lasting color throughout the season.

Ornamental grasses: The fine textures and soft movement of ornamental grasses, such as blue fescue (Festuca glauca) or fountain grass (Pennisetum), complement the bold colors and shapes of Osteospermum flowers.

Russian Sage: Russian Sage’s tall, airy habit and silvery-blue flowers create a stunning contrast with the bright colors of African Daisies. Both plants prefer full sun and well-draining soil.

Coreopsis: Coreopsis shares similar growing conditions and a long blooming season with Osteospermum. The bright yellow flowers of Coreopsis create a lively color combination when paired with African Daisies.

Verbena: Verbena is a versatile companion for Osteospermum, as both plants attract pollinators and have a long blooming season. Their vibrant flowers can create a stunning display when grown together.

Sedum: Sedum plants, particularly low-growing varieties, can provide an interesting contrast in texture and form when planted alongside Osteospermum. Both plants are drought-tolerant and prefer well-draining soil.

Calibrachoa or Petunia: Both Calibrachoa and Petunias are great options for adding more color to container gardens or hanging baskets featuring Osteospermum. They have similar sun and moisture requirements, and their trailing habit can create a lush, cascading effect.

When choosing companion plants for Osteospermum, consider factors such as growing conditions, plant size, and flowering periods to create a cohesive and visually appealing garden design.

Growing Tips

Growing Osteospermum can be a rewarding experience as they provide vibrant colors and long-lasting blooms in your garden. Follow these growing tips to ensure successful cultivation and a beautiful display:

Sunlight: Plant Osteospermum in a location that receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day. They thrive in full sun but can tolerate light shade. However, too much shade may reduce flowering.

Soil: African Daisies prefer well-draining soil. They can tolerate sandy and somewhat rocky soils but may struggle in heavy clay or waterlogged conditions. If planting in a container, use a high-quality potting mix that allows for good drainage.

Watering: Water Osteospermum consistently, especially during the first few weeks after planting, to help the plant establish a strong root system. Once established, they are drought-tolerant but will perform best with consistent moisture. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.

Fertilizing: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in spring when new growth appears, or use a water-soluble fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of flower production.

Deadheading: Remove spent flowers regularly to promote continuous blooming throughout the season. This not only keeps the plant looking tidy but also encourages the production of more flowers.

Pruning: Lightly prune Osteospermum plants in early spring or late summer to maintain their shape and promote bushier growth. Remove any dead, damaged, or excessively long stems.

Pest and disease control: Inspect plants regularly for signs of pests or diseases. Aphids, whiteflies, and spider mites are common pests that can affect Osteospermum. Use a strong jet of water, insecticidal soap, or neem oil to control these pests. Ensure good air circulation and avoid overhead watering to minimize the risk of fungal diseases, such as powdery mildew or leaf spots.

Overwintering: In USDA hardiness zones 10-11, Osteospermum can be grown as perennials. In colder climates, they can be treated as annuals or brought indoors to overwinter. If you choose to bring the plants indoors, provide bright light, and reduce watering during the winter months.

Propagation: Osteospermum can be propagated by seeds, cuttings, or division. Taking softwood cuttings in late spring or early summer is the most common method, as it typically results in faster and more reliable growth.

By following these growing tips, you can enjoy the vibrant colors and long-lasting blooms of Osteospermum in your garden or landscape.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some fun facts about Osteospermum?

Osteospermum flowers often close at night or during overcast weather and open again when the sun shines. Some Osteospermum varieties have spoon-shaped petals, giving them the common name “spoon daisies.”

Why has my Osteospermum stopped flowering?

There could be several reasons why your Osteospermum has stopped flowering: insufficient sunlight, overwatering or poor drainage, lack of nutrients, extreme temperatures, pests or diseases, and lack of deadheading.

Why is it called Osteospermum?

The name Osteospermum is derived from the Greek words “osteon,” which means bone, and “sperma,” which means seed, referring to the hard seed-like fruits produced by the plant.

Are Osteospermum poisonous?

Osteospermum is not considered toxic to humans or pets. However, it is always a good idea to discourage children and pets from ingesting any plants, as individual reactions can vary, and some plants in the same family may be toxic.