Move over, ordinary daisies-African daisies are here to steal the spotlight. With their vivid, kaleidoscope-like colors and striking “blue-eyed” centers, these blooms look almost too exotic for the average backyard. But here’s the secret: they’re surprisingly easy to grow. Ready to bring a little sunshine to your garden? Let’s dig in.
The African daisy is easy to grow, given the proper conditions: full sun, adequate moisture, and moderate temperatures. It is also suitable for growing in the ground. This South African native, discovered in the 19th century, includes about 70 species of annual, perennial, and shrublike plants that bring vibrant bursts of color and charm to any garden.
Although “osteos” (from their genus, Osteospermum) are in the same Asteraceae family as daisies and have flowers that look a lot like common daisies, these exotics are dramatically distinguished by their brilliant hues and shades.
African daisies are striking flowers that are captivating with their bold colors and unique, daisy-like appearance. They have bright, symmetrical blooms with petals that come in a spectrum of vibrant shades, including pink, purple, orange, yellow, and white. Some varieties have two-tone or multicolored petals. At the center of each bloom is a distinct eye, often in contrasting shades of blue, yellow, or purple, creating a dramatic focal point. They have two sets of petals: the outer ray florets and the central disc florets.
For years, many people thought that these flowers must have been dyed due to their vibrant colors. Gardeners loved these features in the original strains but became uninterested as they realized that the flowers closed up at night and on cloudy days. To recapture the public’s enthusiasm, breeders set about developing cultivars with blooms that stayed open much longer. Newer varieties have also included other improvements, including increased heat tolerance (the temperature at which buds will develop) and a reduced need for deadheading (now sometimes eliminated).
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Many of the plants sold today under the name of African daisy or osteospermum are cultivars and hybrids derived from O. ecklonis, O. jucundum and several other species. As a group, these plants are frost-tender subshrubs or herbaceous perennials that feature daisy-like flowers on upright stems rising to 1-3’ tall. Stems are clad with lanceolate green leaves having entire, lobed or toothed margins. Each flower features a center disk of tiny tubular flowers surrounded by fertile, petal-like ray flowers in a variety of colors including shades of white, pink and yellow. In cool summer climates, ‘Mixed Colors’ African Daisy flowers bloom freely from spring to fall frost. In hot summer climates, flowers bloom well in spring to early summer, but decline rapidly with the onset of consistently hot summer temperatures. Fruits are seed-like achenes.
Osteospermum is prized for its stunning display of bright, colorful blooms. Osteospermum have a mounded habit with the flowers displayed slightly above the foliage. Osteospermum is a cool season annual and ideally planted in the fall or early spring. It is best used in containers, so they can be sheltered from any potential cold snaps. It can be planted in the landscape though and prefers an area with full sun and well draining soil. The colorful evergreen with its striking, daisy-like flowers is used to cover large, open areas, spreading by green stems that root into the ground to form a dense carpet of groundcover. The fast-growing plant reaches heights of eighteen inches with long, greenish-blue, fleshy leaves. It produces large, showy, daisy-like flowers in white, deep purple, and lavender, depending upon the variety. The flowers open during the daylight and close at night and on overcast days.
The ‘Mixed Colors’ African Daisy has colorful blooms of orange, yellow and apricot-tones contrasting with dark centers which make these flowers a bright feature for sunny beds. Low, spreading, drought resistant plants bloom profusely over a long season. Winter hardy to USDA Zones 10-11. In other areas, plants are grown as annuals in average, loose, moderately fertile, evenly moist, well-drained soils in full sun. The African Daisy generally dislikes hot and humid summers. Purchase new ‘Mixed Colors’ African Daisy plants in spring or plant seed cultivars indoors about 6-8 weeks prior to last spring frost date.
Here are some of the most popular varieties:
- Osteospermum 4D series: uncommon double flowers, with quilled petals in the centers; flowers do not close, bloom all season long; 8 to 12 inches tall
- O. ‘Astra Purple Spoon’: spoonlike petals; blooms from spring through fall; 8 to 18 inches tall
- O. ‘Bright Lights Red’ reaches 8 to 12 inches tall
- O. ‘Passion Mix’: pink, purple, rose, and white flowers; blooms year-round, most profusely in spring; 6 to 18 inches tall
- O. Soprano series: many color options; blooms from spring through fall; 8 to 14 inches tall
African daisies are beloved cool-season perennials which provide brilliant, long-lasting color, spring through fall. They attract pollinators and are great as a border plant or in containers. The common name is used for both Osteospermum and Arctotis; both are native to Southern Africa. They are low growing, spreading perennials that form mounds which are 1-3’ in height and 2-3’ wide. African daisies prefer full sun, rich, well-drained soil and regular fertilization. They can tolerate drought conditions but thrive with regular water. To encourage fullness, pinch foliage back when young and remove spent flowers to stimulate new blooms.
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Where to Plant
Their flowers add a vibrant splash of color wherever you decide to plant them in your garden. As long as you choose a sunny spot with well-draining soil, they are quite versatile plants.
Here are some suggestions where you can plant them:
- Beds and borders: Use them as accent flowers for a mixed flower bed or as a colorful border.
- Containers and pots: They grow really well in containers, so they make perfect plants for balconies, decks, or patios. Just make sure the pots have good drainage.
- Rock gardens: Due to their drought-tolerant nature, they’re great additions to rock gardens, adding a splash of color!
- Slopes and dry areas: Again, with them tolerating dry soil well, this is a great area for them.
The main place to avoid is anywhere shady or with water-logged soil.
When to Plant
Depending on the climate, they can be grown as annuals or perennials. In hardiness Zones 10-11, they can be grown as perennials, coming back every year. In cooler climates (Zones 9 and below), they’re typically grown as annuals and replanted each year.
If you’re planting cuttings or young plants, wait until the frost has passed and temperatures are consistently above 50°F.
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If you’re planting from seed, start the seeds 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost date. Keep the soil moist until they germinate, and place them in an area with bright indirect light. Give them time to grow sturdy before you transplant them outdoors.
How to Plant
Most African daisies are hybrids, so seeds will not produce “true” plants. Seed-propagated ‘Passion Mix’ may be an exception. We recommend purchasing new plants or propagating from cuttings. These flowers bring an amazing pop of color to any drab space, they establish quickly and bloom profusely from spring to frost making them a perfect addition to any outdoor space.
In autumn, before the first frost, prepare a tray or containers with a damp, well-draining seed-starter mix. Take 4- to 6-inch cuttings with at least two leaf nodes on each, remove lower leaves and any flower buds, dip the cuttings into rooting hormone, and plant them, leaving 2 inches of cutting above the soil. Cover with plastic and put them in a mild (60° to 68°F) spot out of direct sunlight. Allow 4 to 6 weeks for rooting, then transplant to potting mix amended with compost and/or aged manure in a well-draining container (at least 4 inches in diameter for a single plant). The African daisy likes slightly acidic soil (pH 5.8 to 6.5). It should continue growing in a mild environment.
Two weeks before moving African daisies outdoors, gradually harden them off. Purchased seedlings should be planted outdoors after the last frost.
When you’ve transplanted your flowers outside, water thoroughly to help the roots settle.
How Do I Care For African Daisies? - The Plant Enthusiast
African Daisy Care Requirements
Osteospermum are amongst the easiest flowers to grow and care for, producing vibrant, continuous blooms from early spring all the way through to the first frost. To get the most out of these daisy-like flowers, they will need:
- Light: African daisies thrive in full sun (partial shade tends to reduce blooms).
- Soil: They like slightly acidic soil (pH 5.8 to 6.5).
- Water: Keep the soil evenly moist (about 1 inch per week) but avoid standing water. Soggy soil can encourage root rot.
- Fertilizer: Apply a balanced fertilizer every 2 to 4 weeks during the growing period.
- Temperature and Humidity: Moderate to cool night temperatures (below 55°F) promote flower buds.
Propagating
It’s much easier to grow these flowers from cuttings than growing them from seed. Most hybrids won’t grow true from seeds you collect from these plants.
Your best bet is to take cuttings using the following steps:
- Fill a seed tray with seed-starting mixture and dampen the soil slightly.
- Take a 4- to 6-inch cutting making sure your section has at least two node leaves.
- Remove any lower leaves and any buds.
- Dip the end of the cutting in rooting hormone and plant leaving 2 inches of the cutting above the soil.
- Cover with plastic and and place in a bright spot out of the way of direct sunlight.
- Allow 4 to 6 weeks for rooting and then transplant following the instructions above.
Pruning
Pruning your African daisies will consist of pinching, deadheading, and trimming. Pinching the tips of your flower’s stem 2 or 3 times in the early season will promote full and bushy growth. Stop doing this when buds appear as this will slow flowering.
Failure to flower can be due to lack of fertilizer (increase frequency); extreme heat or drought (provide plants with shade and/or water); and/or lack of sunlight (increase exposure).
Most varieties will need to be deadheaded to continue blooming. Some varieties now “bury their dead,” meaning new flowers quickly cover old ones. To deadhead your flowers, cut down to the next set of leaves to encourage more growth and blooming. If you don’t deadhead, your flowers won’t bloom throughout the season.
As temperatures increase during late spring and early summer, flowering will diminish. Trim the plants at this point and continue to care for them, and plants will flower again as temperatures cool in the fall.
Overwintering
The African daisy seldom survives a transition indoors for overwintering without a greenhouse or sunroom.
Pests and Diseases
These flowers aren’t usually afflicted by many problems or pests. No serious insect or disease problems. Watch for aphids.
Osteospermums can attract aphids. Hand squash any small infestations or spray them off with the hose. Encouraging wildlife into your garden can also help to reduce pest infestations as aphids are a good food source for birds as well as ladybirds and hoverflies.
African daisies are also susceptible to verticillium wilt. This is a fungal disease that can cause dieback, wilting and death. There is no cure, so dispose of any affected plants. Don't put any diseased material in the compost heap. Osteospermums can also get downy mildew, which is spread by airborne spores. Plants are more susceptible to it if the foliage in wet weather and a lack of air circulation around the leaves.
Osteospermum Varieties to Grow
- Osteospermum ecklonis has beautiful white blooms, which are deep blue on the reverse of the petals, with a dark blue centre.
- Osteospermum jucundum var. compactum has narrow, green foliage and has the added bonus of being an attractive, weed-suppressing ground cover plant with purple flowers through summer and into autumn.
- Osteospermum jucundum 'Tresco Purple' has vibrant purple flowers that appear over a long period from June until September.
This plant can be bought as seed, plug plants or garden ready plants, both in garden centres and online.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the lifespan of the osteospermum plant?
Annual osteospermum plants will live for one growing season. Perennial varieties are generally short-lived with a lifespan of around two to three years.
Are osteospermum perennial?
There are both annual and perennial varieties of osteospermum, but they are often treated as annuals because they are half hardy and won't survive a cold winter outdoors.
Quick Guide to African Daisy Care
One of the brightest annuals for cool season gardening!
- Sunlight: African Daisies thrive in full sun. They need at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily to produce vibrant blooms.
- Soil: Plant African Daisies in well-draining soil enriched with organic matter.
- Water: African Daisies are drought-tolerant once established but perform best with consistent watering. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings to prevent root rot.
- Fertilizer: Feed African Daisies with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer every 6-8 weeks during the growing season.
- Pruning: African Daisies benefit from regular deadheading to encourage continuous blooming.
- Winter Hardiness: African Daisies are frost-sensitive and thrive in USDA zones 9-11. In colder regions, treat them as annuals or grow them in containers that can be brought indoors during frost.
