About
An upright and gently spreading shrubby perennial that thrives in sun and grows up to approximately 30-40 cm high. The leaves are quite striking: grey- to mid-green with pale creamy yellow variegation, up to 10cm long, and can be linear or lance-shaped, and can have toothed edges. The daisy flowerheads are about 5-8cm across, with bright silvery-white petals which are touched with blue-purple at their bases as they approach the blue-purple flower centres.
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 hardinessH3
Plant details
Plant typeBedding, Conservatory Greenhouse
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height1-2 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Hanging basket, Mediterranean climate plants, Patio and container plants, Gravel garden
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 fertile, very well-drained soil in a warm site in full sun with shelter from cold winds. In frost-prone climates, propagate reserve plants every year, and overwinter young plants in frost-free conditions. Drought tolerant once well established
PruningNo pruning required, but regular dead-heading can help prolong flowering into late summer and early autumn
PropagationPropagate by softwood cuttings in late spring, or by semi-hardwood cuttings in late summer from non-flowering shoots
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free. May be susceptible to aphids
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free. May be susceptible to downy mildews and Verticillium wilt