Overview

Osteospermum jucundum 'Compactum' is a bushy perennial in the genus Osteospermum, part of the Asteraceae family, with evergreen foliage. Osteospermum jucundum 'Compactum' grows best in full sun, and tolerates well-drained soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H3. Suggested uses include patio and container plants, bedding and flower borders and beds. It is native to Lesotho and Southern Africa.

About

Osteospermum jucundum 'Compactum' is a perennial in the Asteraceae that produces flowers from June to October. It originates from Lesotho and Southern Africa. The plant performs best in full sun in well-drained soil with moderate moisture. Place it where summer and early-autumn blooms are visible from seating areas or pathways.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Dimorphotheca jucunda

About the genus

Osteospermum, is a genus of flowering plants belonging to the Calenduleae, one of the smaller tribes of the sunflower/daisy family Asteraceae. They are known as the daisybushes or African daisies. Its species have been given several common names, including African daisy, South African daisy, Cape daisy and blue-eyed daisy.

Wikipedia contributors, "Osteospermum", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Osteospermum

In the garden

Osteospermum jucundum 'Compactum' is a perennial daisy relative native to Lesotho and other parts of Southern Africa. Its season of interest runs from June to October, offering an extended period of flowering through summer into autumn. That seasonal span is useful where you want sustained colour rather than a short-flowering specimen. Give this plant a sunny, sheltered site and a free-draining soil; it needs full sun and will not tolerate waterlogged conditions. Aim for a compost with good drainage and water to maintain moderate moisture rather than constant wetness. In pots use a loam-based potting mix with added grit beneath the surface layer to help drainage and position containers where they receive direct sun. In the UK it suits the front of a sunny border, a south- or west-facing patio, or a sunny gravel bed where drainage is reliable. Combine with other sun-loving perennials that prefer moderate moisture to avoid overwatering. For best visual impact place plants where the June–October flowering is easily seen from seating areas so the length of the floral display is put to practical use.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Osteospermum

Sunlight

full sun

Soil type

well-drained

Soil pH

Neutral

Soil moisture

moderate

Aspect

South-facing

Exposure

Sheltered

UK hardiness

H3

Plant details

Osteospermum jucundum 'Compactum' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type

perennial

Habit

Bushy

Foliage

Evergreen

Suggested uses

Patio and container plants, Bedding, Flower borders and beds

Native to

Lesotho, Southern Africa

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Osteospermum jucundum 'Compactum'

Cultivation

Prefers full sun and well-drained soil; moderate watering; avoid waterlogging; suitable for containers and borders; protect from harsh winds.

Pruning

Light pruning after flowering to maintain shape and encourage bushiness; remove spent flowers to prolong blooming.

Propagation

Softwood cuttings in late spring, Semi-hardwood cuttings in late summer

Pest resistance

Aphids

Disease resistance

Downy mildews, Verticillium wilt

Frequently asked questions