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Osteospermum

Image of Osteospermum

James H. Schutte

Family

Asteraceae

Botanical Name

Osteospermum

Plant Common Name

African Daisy

General Description

Frequently grown as annuals but in fact tender perennials, these daisy-flowered plants from South Africa are among the showiest bloomers for gardens and greenhouses. The large orange, yellow, white, pink, magenta, or purple daisies — which often have contrasting centers or undersides — appear from late spring to autumn on erect or trailing stems. Some varieties will bloom all year in mild climates. The shrubby plants have oval green or gray-green leaves that are sometimes bluntly toothed. Numerous cultivars are sold, including the relatively heat-tolerant Symphony Series and the variegated 'Silver Sparkler'.

These spectacular bloomers like sun, well-drained soil, and relatively cool summers. Avoid overly fertile soils, which will cause stems to flop. Deadhead regularly to encourage continued flowering. Wonderful in borders or cascading down banks where hardy, they also excel as bedding or container plants. They can be wintered indoors in a cool bright position.

Characteristics

  • AHS Heat Zone

    6 - 1

  • USDA Hardiness Zone

    10 - 11

  • Sunset Zone

    8, 9, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24

  • Plant Type

    Perennial

  • Sun Exposure

    Full Sun

  • Height

    6"-40" / 15.2cm - 101.6cm

  • Width

    18"-24" / 45.7cm - 61.0cm

  • Bloom Time

    Late Spring, Early Summer, Summer, Late Summer, Early Fall, Fall

  • Native To

    South Africa

Growing Conditions

  • Soil pH

    Neutral

  • Soil Drainage

    Well Drained

  • Soil type

    Loam

  • Tolerances

    Drought

  • Growth Rate

    Fast

  • Water Requirements

    Drought Tolerant, Average Water

  • Habit

    Clump-Forming

  • Seasonal Interest

    Spring, Summer, Fall

Ornamental Features

  • Flower Interest

    Showy

  • Flower Color

    White, Yellow, Blue, Purple, Orange, Pink, Magenta

  • Flower Color Modifier

    Bicolor

  • Foliage Color (Spring)

    Green, Blue Green

  • Foliage Color (Summer)

    Green, Blue Green

  • Foliage Color (Fall)

    Green, Blue Green

  • Foliage Color (Winter)

    Green, Blue Green

  • Fragrant Flowers

    No

  • Fragrant Fruit

    No

  • Fragrant Foliage

    No

  • Bark or Stem Fragrant

    No

  • Flower Petal Number

    Single

  • Repeat Bloomer

    Yes

  • Showy Fruit

    No

  • Edible Fruit

    No

  • Showy Foliage

    No

  • Foliage Texture

    Medium

  • Evergreen

    Semi-Evergreen

  • Showy Bark

    No

Special Characteristics

  • Usage

    Bedding Plant, Container, Cutflower, Foundation, Groundcover, Hanging Basket, Mixed Border, Rock Garden / Wall

  • Sharp or Has Thorns

    No

  • Invasive

    No

  • Attracts

    Butterflies

  • Self-Sowing

    No