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. ©2006 Cornell University . All rights reserved. .