About
Mound-forming to trailing, half-hardy perennials up to 35cm with oblong to lance-shaped, toothed, glossy, dark green leaves and profusion of daisy-like, orange, lemon, cream, yellow or peach colour range flushed purple at the base of the petals with dark centre, from late spring into autumn.
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 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 height2-5 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
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to downy mildews and Verticillium wilt