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Osteospermum

Annual Flower

Also known as African Daisy, Cape Marigold
Osteospermum ecklonis
Asteraceae Family
Synonym: Dimorphotheca ecklonis

Perfect for adding banks of color to gardens or naturalistic settings, Osteospermum has substantial foliage and daisy-like flowers in shades of pink, purple, blue, or white. The flowers are prominent, 2 to 3 inches in diameter with dark-blue centers and an almost waxy appearance. Plants need good drainage and don't do well in high humidity.

	Site and Plant Characteristics
	Growing Information
	Varieties

Site Characteristics

Sunlight:

full sun

Soil conditions:

tolerates droughty soil
requires well-drained soil
tolerates low fertility

Special locations:

outdoor containers

Plant Traits

Lifecycle: annual

Ease-of-care: moderately difficult

Height: 2 to 5 feet

var. prostratum grows to just 6".

Spread: 2 to 4 feet

Bloom time:

mid-summer
late summer
early fall
mid-fall

Flower color:

yellow
blue
violet
white
pink

Flowers have blue centers with petals in various shades of these colors.

Foliage color: dark green

Foliage texture: medium

Shape: upright

Shape in flower: same as above

Special Considerations

Tolerates:

frost
heat

Special characteristics:

deer resistant
non-aggressive
non-invasive
not native to North America - Native to Africa.

Special uses:

cut flowers

Growing Information

How to plant:

Propagate by seed - Start seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last spring frost.

Germination temperature: 60 F to 65 F

Days to emergence: 14

Maintenance and care:

May be slow to start blooming. Deadhead to prolong flowering. Keep water off of the leaves to prevent fungal disease.
More growing information: How to Grow Annuals

Pests:

Aphids

Diseases:

Foliar fungal diseases

Varieties

When choosing varieties, look for different flower colors. Some varieties are spreading and suitable for hanging baskets.
var. prostratum: grows just 6 inches tall with 2-foot spread.
'Blue Streak': white rays (blue on the back) with blue center.
'Silver Sparkler': yellow leaf edges.