African Daisy Plants: Growing Osteospermums
9-11; grown as an annual in most regions
HOW TO GROW AFRICAN DAISY PLANTS
At first glance, African daisies (Osteospermum) look like typical daisies, with symmetrical petals that radiate from a central eye. But upon a closer look, this South African native is anything but ordinary. The flowers come in many colors from white to deep purple, with single or multi-colored centers and petals that can be double, fringed, or spoon-shaped.
A member of the daisy family (Asteraceae), osteospermum is a half-hardy perennial or subshrub most commonly grown as an annual. A relative newcomer to the horticultural industry, African daisies first become available to home gardeners in the 1990s.
Although commonly called African daisy, it’s important to remember the botanical name of Osteospermum, as other garden plants such as Dimorphotheca and Arcotis go by the same common name. Other names include South African daisy, Cape daisy, Cape marigold, blue-eyed daisy, or sunscape daisy.
THE BASICS
Zones:
9-11; grown as an annual in most regions
Height/Spread:
Upright bushy or trailing habit, 1 to 3 feet tall and 1 to 2 feet wide
Exposure:
Full sun to light shade; bloom is best in full sun.
Bloom time:
Late spring to frost. They are sensitive to extreme heat and flower sparsely in hot weather.
Color and characteristics:
Daisy-like flowers 2 inches across, come in single, bi- or multicolors in shades of white, yellow, orange, red, coral, pink, blue, lavender, and purple. Oval or lance-shaped leaves are green or gray-green with smooth or toothed margins. Flowers close at night or on dark overcast days, though there are newer cultivars that remain open.
PLANTING INSTRUCTIONS
Fall display with Lemon Symphony African daisy (Osteospermum hybrid) Photo by: Proven Winners
When to plant:
Plant outside in mid-late spring after all danger of frost is past.
Where to plant:
Grow in a sunny to lightly shaded site in a container or landscape. Plants will flower best in full sun.
How to plant:
For beds and borders, loosen soil in the planting area 6 to 12 inches deep. Work in compost or other organic matter. Remove plant from container and gently tease out roots or slice the root ball in several places if potbound. Dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball. Place the plant in the hole so the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil surface. Fill in the hole, tamp down soil around the base and water well.
Space 12 inches apart and allow for adequate air circulation.
For containers: Plant as above, using a rich, well-draining potting mix. Spacing can be slightly closer when combined with other plants.
CARE
Maintenance:
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage reblooming, although this is not required for Symphony or Bright Lights series plants. Plants can be cut back by up to half during hot summer weather for a fuller rebloom in late summer and fall. Where they are perennial, plants can be lightly sheared after the last flush of blooms.
Soil:
For beds and borders, amend soil with compost or other organic matter and make sure there is good drainage. Optimal soil pH is 5-5.5.
Amendments and fertilizer:
Apply an all-purpose water-soluble fertilizer every 2 to 3 weeks during the growing season, according to package instructions. Since containers are watered more often, nutrients will leach out faster, requiring more frequent fertilizing.
Watering:
Keep soil evenly moist but not soggy. Plants can become somewhat drought-tolerant once established. Overwatering can lead to fungal disease or rot.
Diseases and pests:
When planted in optimal conditions and properly maintained, there are few, if any, problems. Pests include thrips, whitefly, fungus gnats, or aphids. Diseases include verticillium wilt, powdery mildew, botrytis, phytophthora, gray mold, root or stem rot, all of which can be caused by excess watering, high humidity, or poor air circulation.
Deer resistance:
Deer will leave them alone for the most part, though extreme conditions can result in deer grazing on plants that they wouldn’t otherwise.
OSTEOSPERMUM VARIETIES
Varieties are still being developed for new colors, patterns and shapes, as well as attributes such as longer-lasting blooms and flowers that stay open at night. In the right conditions, osteospermum—which can be grown in containers or in the landscape—will reward you with months of color.
Photo by: Proven Winners
Bright Lights™ Purple — Buy now from Proven Winners
Osteospermum hybrid
Zones:
Height/Spread:
Compact bushy habit, 8 to 12 inches tall and wide
Color:
Deep rose-purple flowers, green foliage
The shorter stature and dense growth habit makes this a good choice as edging, massed in a landscape, or in containers in combination with other plants. More heat-tolerant than other varieties.
Photo by: Proven Winners
Bright Lights™ Yellow — Buy now from Proven Winners
Osteospermum hybrid
Zones:
Height/Spread:
Compact bushy habit, 8 to 12 inches tall and wide
Color:
Yellow flowers, green foliage
The dense compact habit makes this a good choice for border edging, massed landscape plantings and containers in combination with other plants. More heat-tolerant than other varieties.
Photo by: Proven Winners
Bright Lights™ Double Moonglow — Buy now from Proven Winners
Osteospermum hybrid
Zones:
Height/Spread:
Compact bushy habit, 8 to 12 inches tall and wide
Color:
Creamy yellow petals with buttery yellow center, green foliage
Great for use in landscapes and containers and does not require deadheading. Heat tolerant plants with gorgeous, semi-double flowers.
Photo by: Proven Winners
Bright Lights™ Horizon™ Sunset — Buy now from Proven Winners
Osteospermum hybrid
Zones:
Height/Spread:
Mounded habit, 8 to 12 inches tall and 10 to 18 inches wide
Color:
Salmon pink and lavender blue flowers, green foliage
The mounding habit of Horizon™ Sunset holds the flowers up for a beautiful display. Works well in window boxes, hanging baskets, patio containers, and in the landscape.
Photo by: Linda Hagen
‘Blue-Eyed Beauty’
Osteospermum ecklonis
Zones:
Height/Spread:
Mounding spreading habit, 12 to 14 inches tall and 14 to 20 inches wide
Color:
Flower petals are yellow with a purple rim around the center, the eye is blue and yellow; green foliage.
Particularly stunning, with buttery yellow petals and a multi-colored center. Use in mass plantings or containers. More heat tolerant than some other varieties.
Photo by: Mirko Rosenau / Shutterstock
Astra™ Purple Spoon
Osteospermum ecklonis
Zones:
Height/Spread:
Mounding spreading habit, 12 to 18 inches tall and 18 to 24 inches wide
Color:
Flowers are pinkish purple with a blue center; green foliage
Unique fluted spoon-shaped petals offer a novelty focal point in a container or landscape. Flowers earlier than other varieties.
Photo by: Claire Belisle / Millette Photomedia
‘Zion Copper Amethyst’
Osteospermum ecklonis
Zones:
Height/Spread:
Upright mounding habit, 16 to 20 inches tall and 16 to 24 inches wide
Color:
Flowers are orange, pink and purple, green foliage
Inspired by the desert hues of Zion National Park, this dazzling blended color combination glows like a Southwest sunset. Can be grown in a container with other plants that echo the warm colors.
Photo by: Simon Marshall / Flickr
Serenity™ Red
Osteospermum ecklonis
Zones:
Height/Spread:
Upright mounding habit, 10-14 inches tall and 14-20 inches wide
Color:
Dark red flowers, green foliage
The low mounding habit makes this a good choice as a stand-alone accent in a container, as pathway edging, or in combination with other annuals. Use to help hold the soil in place on a slope.
DESIGN TIPS
‘Good Morning’ plant recipe in a hanging basket, with Bright Lights™ Yellow African daisy, Supertunia® Honey™ petunia, and Sunsatia® Blood Orange™ nemesia. Photo by Proven Winners.
There are many ways to incorporate African daisies into your landscape. Here’s how:
- Mass at the front of a mixed border for lasting color when perennials are out of bloom.
- Combine in hanging baskets with trailing plants such as lobelia, calibrachoa, or verbena.
- Alternate groupings of complementary colors such as purple and yellow along a slope for an eye-catching display that also helps hold soil in place.
- Place a large decorative container at the end of a pathway. Plant African daisy and other brightly colored annuals for a focal point to draw the eye through the landscape.
- Shepherd’s hooks are a great way to showcase hanging baskets for instant color by a patio, deck or poolside. Hooks are easily moved around for a fresh look.
- The long branching stems and extended vase life makes this a good cut flower.
African Daisy Plants: Growing Osteospermums
The African daisy is a lovely, heat and drought-tolerant flowering plant you’ll grow to love! Our in-depth guide shares our growing tips.
Written by Kendra Meador Last updated: June 22, 2023 | 8 min read
Have you ever wondered what those daisy-like flowers are with the creamy yellow petals and sunburst purple center? They exude cheerfulness every time you see them in a garden. Well, you are in for a treat today because we are talking about the beautiful African daisy.
These plants are from the daisy family, and the flowers sport bright colors. The orange and pink flowers with multi-colored centers are a favorite. The good news is in this article, you will learn about the plant called African daisy, and gain some useful details about African daisy care.
The scientific name for the African daisy is Osteospermum spp. One of the most popular Proven Winners of the Osteospermum hybrid is Bright Lights, which features yellow, pink, or purple flowers close together on the plant. To have them year-round depends on your climate because these plants do not tolerate frost. What’s great is they prefer full sun, are heat and drought-tolerant, and aren’t prone to diseases and pest infestations compared to other annuals.
Get ready to take notes while you read this growing guide – you’ll find plenty of plant information about how to care for African daisies. And once you realize how easy they are to propagate, you’ll be ready to grow them in your own garden.
Good Products At Amazon For Growing African Daisy:
- Neem Bliss 100% Cold Pressed Neem Oil
- Harris Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth With Duster
- PyGanic Botanical Insecticide (Pyrethrin)
Quick Care Guide
| Common Name | African daisy, South African daisy, Cape daisy, blue-eyed daisy |
| Scientific Name | Osteospermum spp. |
| Family | Asteraceae family |
| Height and Spread | 1-3 ft tall, 1-2 ft wide |
| Light | Full sun |
| Soil | Well-drained, acidic |
| Water | 1-2 inches per week, drought tolerant |
| Pests and Diseases | Aphids, whiteflies, fungal diseases |
All About African Daisies
African Daisies go by other names such as Cape daisy, blue-eyed daisy, and South African daisy. The botanical name, also called the scientific name, is Osteospermum spp. As the name suggests, they are native to South Africa, thus are drought and heat tolerant once established. They grow best in USDA zones 10-11 as tender perennials. These plants grow the same as other annuals in zones that receive frost – the variety also determines if the plant is an annual or perennial. The African daisy was discovered in the 19th century and quickly became popular in other areas of the world.
The native flower species have white petals with a blue center surrounding the yellow disc. However, you will find hybrids that feature a variety of flower hues, from pink to yellow or even white. Leaves are oval or lance-shaped and gray-green with smooth edges near the top and serrated edges towards the bottom of the plant. The flowers grow on a straight stem and sit above the foliage.
There are many stems and flowers blooming at one time on this erect plant. The spoon-shaped flowers have a buttery yellow center surrounded by many thin petals to form a rosette, some varieties even showcase semi-double flowers. Blooms can range in size from 2 to 4 inches across, depending on the cultivar. African daisies grow fast and begin blooming in early summer and continue to bloom until late summer into early fall.
African Daisy Care
Compared to other plants, African daisies are one of the easiest flowering plants to grow in the garden. Once established, you’ll enjoy their beautiful blooms all summer long. This next section discusses planting instructions and care for African daisies.
Sun and Temperature
Plant your African daisies in full sun after the last frost for the best results. They will tolerate light shade but may not bloom as often. Extreme heat is not ideal and will stress them out – you can grow other plants next to them to provide shade during the hottest part of the day. Their ideal USDA growing zone is 10-11, but you can grow them in other zones as annual plants because they are sensitive to frost.
The ideal temperature range is from 60 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. They will not survive below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. If you live in colder climates, you can take cuttings from your plant at the end of the growing season to propagate new plants for the next growing season.
Water and Humidity
The best time of day to water your African daisy plants is first thing in the morning. Water regularly until the plant is established, but only to keep the soil evenly moist. Once established, water 1-2 inches per week. These plants are drought tolerant, so they dislike being over-watered. Water at the base of the plant and try not to splash soil onto the stem or leaves to prevent fungal spores from being introduced. Most African daisies can tolerate some humidity as long as they have good air circulation.
Soil
African daisies thrive in well-drained garden soil that is slightly acidic with a pH of 5-5.5. Organic matter such as compost is great to add to the soil when you plant to increase drainage. Soggy soil encourages fungal diseases to attack. Many African daisy varieties will tolerate dry or poor soil, but you’ll get bushier growth with nutrient-rich soil.
Fertilizing African Daisies
Add organic matter when you plant African daisies in your garden, and you won’t need to fertilize until mid-summer. Use a balanced slow-release fertilizer and take care not to apply too much nitrogen, as this will encourage bushier growth that will produce fewer flowers. Fertilize regularly through the growing season to enjoy larger flowers. Fertilize for the last time in early fall and begin again in late spring if you live in a mild climate that supports them year-round.
Pruning
For the best African daisy care and to encourage an abundance of beautiful flowers, deadhead the spent flower buds. This will encourage reblooming into late summer. Cut back your plant in early fall to allow it to go dormant for the mild winter. Also, if your plants become leggy, give them a trim to shape the plant and encourage growth.
African Daisy Propagation
There are two methods for propagating African daisy plants. The first method is by seeds – don’t save seeds from previous plants since most are hybrids, and they won’t grow true. Sow outdoors once the danger of frost has passed. Place seeds 10 inches apart and lightly cover them with soil. Water regularly to keep the soil moist. You can start them indoors, but it stresses them being transplanted when young. However, if you sow them in our Epic 4-cells, you’ll have fewer problems with transplant shock.
You can also begin new plants by taking cuttings from existing plants. Prepare small containers with seed starting mixture and slightly moisten. Cut healthy stems that have at least 3 to 4 leaves. Pinch off the flower bud if present and remove lower leaves to expose the nodes. Dip the end (make sure to get the exposed nodes) in rooting hormone and gently push the stem into the prepared container. Keep the cuttings warm at 60-68 degrees Fahrenheit. Place them in a bright location out of direct sunlight and keep the soil moist but not soggy until they root in 3 to 4 weeks.
Troubleshooting African Daisy Plants
Luckily, you won’t encounter too many growing problems or have to deal with many pests and diseases when growing African daisies. However, this next section will help troubleshoot any problems you may experience.
African Daisy Growing Problems
If your African daisy isn’t providing you with a plethora of stunning blooms, then you may need to deadhead your plant (which means remove the spent blooms), provide a dose of fertilizer, or give them a little extra water and provide shade since they may be stressed from the hot weather. Generally, when the weather cools, the plant will flower more.
Even though they are heat-tolerant plants, you may notice your plant wilting. The African daisy prefers to be planted in soil with good drainage (it does not do well in clay soils) and receive plenty of sun. Providing well-drained soil and sun will help prevent it from wilting and ensure a healthy plant.
Pests
There are two common pests of the African daisy. The first one is aphids. These tiny insects are usually brown or green, and you will find them hiding under the leaves. These pests suck the sap from your plant, causing the leaves to turn yellow and curl. If there are not many aphids on your plant, you can blast them away with water. Attracting beneficial insects to your garden such as the parasitic wasp and lady beetles, will help keep their population down. Neem oil, diatomaceous earth, and pyrethrins are good choices for controlling a large aphid population.
The second most common pest is whiteflies. These insects are tiny, and they look like white specks on the plant. They like to hang out on the underside of the leaves and suck the sap from the plant – this will cause the leaves to yellow and fall off, making your plant unsightly. Lacewings and lady beetles are natural predators, so attracting these beneficial insects to your garden is a good idea. Neem oil and pyrethrins are effective when there is a large amount attacking your plant.
Diseases of African Daisies
Luckily, African daisies aren’t susceptible to many diseases. The primary concern to be aware of is fungal diseases such as verticillium wilt that are usually caused by excess moisture. If you live in a humid environment, take extra care to prevent fungus from growing on your plant. Don’t water your flower from the top; water from the base to prevent water droplets from splashing onto the plant.
Fungal spores hang out in the dirt and are inadvertently introduced to the plant by splashing water. Also, make sure there is plenty of airflow around the pink flowers and only water when there is plenty of time for the water to dry in the day’s warmth. Mulching at the plant’s base can prevent soil splashback onto leaves. Fungicides can be applied if you don’t catch the fungal disease in the early stages.
Another possible fungal disease is root rot. This is a fungal disease that often results in part due to over-watering. It can be prevented by watering as recommended to prevent the wet soils that the fungal pathogen prefers. Once established, the African daisy only needs 1-2 inches of water per week at the most. Frequent fertilizing and soil that doesn’t drain well can also cause root rot. Symptoms are stunted growth and yellowing of the leaves. If you catch root rot early, you can save your plant. Remove it from its current location, plant it in a well-draining potting mix and adjust your watering schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do African daisy come back every year?
A: It will depend upon the variety and your climate. African daisies can be perennial plants in mild climates, but in areas that receive frost, they are grown as annuals.
Q: Will African daisy spread?
A: Pure African daisy plants spread by runners and can become a nuisance. Planting hybrids will help keep these from becoming invasive.
Q: How big do African daisies get?
A: African daisies can grow to 1-3 feet in height and 1-2 feet wide – especially when planted in garden beds with well-drained soil.
Q: What are African daisies called?
A: African daisies are commonly known as African daisy, South African daisy, Cape daisy, and blue-eyed daisy.
Q: Do you cut back African daisies?
A: If you live in USDA hardiness zones 10-11, cut back your African daisy in the late fall and it will be ready to grow and bloom again in the spring. Otherwise, trim the stems if they become leggy.
Q: Can you winter over African daisies?
A: If you live in a mild climate, you can over-winter your African daisies. However, they will die if exposed to frost.
Q: Can African daisy survive frost?
A: No, African daisies are not tolerant to cold weather and frost. They are perennials only in mild climates. Plant them outside in the garden after the last frost.
Q: Do African daisies bloom all summer?
A: African daisies can bloom all summer if you live in a climate that doesn’t reach high temperatures. The pink flowers respond best to cooler temperatures of the spring and fall in climates that are dry and hot. Providing optimal care for African daisies results in long-lasting bloom times. A lovely option for a continuous pink flower is a Proven Winners Osteospermum hybrid called Bright Lights.