About
Lady Leitrim' is a spreading perennial with narrow, dull grey-green leaves and flower-heads 6.5cm across, the rays white, with age becoming tinged with purplish-pink at base and tip, surrounding a yellow disk.
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 pHAlkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectWest-facing, South-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH3
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy, Matforming
FoliageSemi evergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, City and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Patio and container plants, Rock garden
FragranceFoliage
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. In frosty areas overwinter cuttings under glass. Can withstand short spells below 0°C
PruningDeadheading regularly will help prolong flowering
PropagationPropagate by softwood cuttings in late spring or semi-hardwood cuttings in late summer
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to downy mildews and Verticillium wilt