James H. Schutte
Family
Asteraceae
Botanical Name
ARCTOTIS x hybrida
Plant Common Name
Hybrid African Daisy
General Description
Frost-tender, shrubby perennials often used as annuals, these showy hybrids result from crosses between several South African members of Arctotis. They bear large colorful daisies with contrasting dark halos on calf-high, leafless stems. The solitary blooms may be pink, red, orange, white, or yellow. They appear from summer into fall above densely massed, silvery green, slightly fuzzy leaves with deeply lobed margins. Blooms tend to stay open wider and longer in cloudy conditions than do those of other arctotis.
These hybrids favor sun and well drained soil but are not particular about fertility, flourishing even in poor sandy ground. In dry climates they require occasional watering. Alone or in mass, they excel at bringing summer color to Mediterranean and desert landscapes. They make excellent bedding and container plants for just about any climate. Remove spent blooms to encourage prolific and continued flowering and to prevent self-sowing.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
12 - 10
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Sunset Zone
7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
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Plant Type
Tender Perennial
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun
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Height
8"-20" / 20.3cm - 50.8cm
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Width
3"-6" / 7.6cm - 15.2cm
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Bloom Time
Late Spring, Early Summer, Summer, Late Summer, Early Fall
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Native To
Hybrid Origin
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline
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Soil Drainage
Well Drained
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Soil type
Loam, Sand
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Tolerances
Drought
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Growth Rate
Medium
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Water Requirements
Xeric/Desert, Drought Tolerant
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Habit
Clump-Forming
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Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer, Fall
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
White, Yellow, Red, Orange, Pink, Fuchsia, Rose, Coral
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Fruit Color
Brown
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Gray Green, Silver
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Gray Green, Silver
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Gray Green, Silver
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Foliage Color (Winter)
Gray Green
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Fragrant Flowers
No
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
Yes
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Showy Fruit
No
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
No
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Foliage Texture
Medium
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Foliage Sheen
Matte
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Evergreen
Semi-Evergreen
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Showy Bark
No
Special Characteristics
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Usage
Bedding Plant, Container, Groundcover, Mixed Border, Rock Garden / Wall, Tropical
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Sharp or Has Thorns
No
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Invasive
No
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Attracts
Butterflies
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Self-Sowing
Yes