African Daisies
Osteospermum spp.
Also known as
Cape Daisy, Spanish Marguerite, Magrietjie (Afr.), African daisy
Osteospermum ecklonis1 by Joaquim Alves Gaspar (CC BY 2.5)
Full Sun
Easy care
Light watering
Half-hardy
10a
USDA zone
-1°C
Minimum temperature
Expected size
Height | Spread | |
---|---|---|
50cm | Max | 50cm |
10cm | Min | 10cm |
2 years to reach maturity
Flowering
-
spring
-
summer
-
autumn
-
winter
More images of African Daisies
African Daisies Overview
Known as African Daisies, the genus Osteospermum contains around 50 species of half-hardy annuals, perennials or subshrubs in the daisy family, Asteraceae. (The genus was recently separated from Dimorphotheca.) Osteospermums are native to Africa and parts of the Arabian peninsula. Foliage can be aromatic and either simple or lobed. Showy daisy-like flowers are produced over a long period from late spring into summer and beyond. They often close at night or at low light intensity. Several Osteospermum species can be found in cultivation with many hybrids and cultivars available, bred for a variety of habits and for different flower colours and forms. Popular with gardeners, they are often seen in mixed flower borders and beds, cottage & other informal gardens, Mediterranean planting schemes and gravel gardens. They are also suitable for planting in patio pots or window boxes. Osteospermums seem not to be disturbed by salt-laden winds, making them very good for seaside gardens.
Common problems with African Daisies
How to propagate African Daisies
Seed
Start indoors, about 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost in your area. Sow about 0.1 cm deep. They seed themselves freely so there are always plantlets to spread around the garden.
Cuttings
Softwood cuttings in late spring or semi-hardwood cuttings in late summer.
Special features of African Daisies
Attractive flowers
Pot plant
Drought resistant
Attracts useful insects
Attracts insects like bees and butterflies