About
A reliable perennial, more popularly grown as seasonal annual bedding for patio and balcony summer displays. It has toothed, semi-glossy, lance shaped, mid-green leaves and sunny bright pale orange flowers, with a white and darker pink centre.
About the genus
Osteospermum can be annuals, perennials or sub-shrubs, with aromatic, evergreen, simple or lobed leaves and showy daisy-like flowers over a long period from late spring
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH2
Plant details
Plant typeBedding
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height1 year
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Hanging basket, Patio and container plants, Mediterranean climate 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 warm, frost free conditions. Acclimatise plants before planting outside in early summer. Pinching out tips when young will create a well balanced compact plant that is perfect for container cultivation. A useful bedding plant for any well-drained fertile soil in a sunny site. A plant that performs best in sunny and bright, but relatively cool summers
PruningPinch out growing tips when young for a well-balanced and well-branched plant. Dead-head thoroughly to prolong the flowering display.
PropagationPropagate by softwood cuttings in spring of non flowering shoots
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free but may be susceptible to aphids
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free but may be susceptible to downy mildews and Verticillium wilt