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 Characteristics Plant Traits Special Considerations

Sunlight: Lifecycle: annual Tolerates:

. full sun Ease-of-c a r e : moderately difficult . frost . heat Soil conditions: Height: 2 to 5 feet Special characteristics: . tolerates droughty soil var. prostratum grows to just 6". . requires well-drained soil . deer resistant . tolerates low fertility Spread: 2 to 4 feet . non-aggressive . non-invasive Special locations: Bloom time: . not native to North America - Native to Africa. . outdoor containers . mid-summer . late summer Special uses: . early fall . mid-fall . cut flowers

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: me di u m

Shape: upright

Shape in flower: same as above

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.