About
A compact, mound-forming, half-hardy annuals to 25cm in height with sparsely toothed, spoon-shaped, glossy, mid green leaves and large daisy-like, flowers with an extra layer of petals, which do not close up; bi-coloured in a range of colours, reddish purple and white, pinkish purple and pink, bluish purple and purple, purple and white, lemon yellow, and white, from midsummer into autumn.
About the genus
Dimorhotheca can be annuals or woody-based, evergreen perennials with simple, alternate leaves and large daisy-like flower-heads in summer and autumn
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH3
Plant details
Plant typeAnnual Biennial
HabitBushy
FoliageSemi evergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height1-2 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Mediterranean climate plants, Patio and container plants
ToxicityPets (rabbits, rodents): Harmful if eaten. For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
Care notes
CultivationGrow in light, moderately fertile, well-drained soil in a warm, sunny position. Tolerate poor soil, salt or drought. In frosty areas overwinter cuttings under glass
PruningDeadhead regularly and tidy in spring. No pruning required
PropagationPropagate by softwood cuttings in late spring or semi-hardwood cuttings in late summer from non-flowering shoots, protect from frost over winter and plant out after all chance of frosts is past
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to downy mildews and Verticillium wilt