The African Daisy
Lonas
Lonas is a genus of flowering plants in the chamomile tribe within the daisy family. There is only one accepted species, L. annua, native to Italy, France, Germany, Algeria, Morocco, and Tunisia.
Full Answer
What is the scientific name of African daisies?
Osteospermum, is a genus of flowering plants belonging to the Calenduleae, one of the smaller tribes of the sunflower/daisy family Asteraceae. The African Daisy has a lot of different names: Cape Marigold, Star-of-the-Veldt, Dimorphotheca, Barberton Daisy, Veldt Daisy, Transvaal Daisy, and Gerber Daisy.
Do African daisies come in pots?
Most African Daisies are purchased in a container, but can grow from seed. It is a perennial plant but is grown as an annual. This flower is great because it is easy to care for, blooms from spring to first frost, and boasts stunning bright colors.
Why are my African daisies dying?
The African daisy can easily develop root rot. When soil does not drain properly, water on the roots pools. This causes rot and the roots that hold the plant in the soil, and conduct its food, die. Where should you plant these African daisy plants? Always plant them in the recommended sunlight for their variety.
Can African daisies be trimmed?
African daisy delights gardeners with a profusion of brightly colored flowers throughout the long summer blooming season. But it needs regular care, including an occasional trim.
What do you do with African daisies?
How to Grow and Care for African DaisiesPlace African daisies in direct sunlight. African daisies grow best in full sun, and while they can grow in light shade, they will produce fewer flowers. ... Let the soil dry between waterings. ... Give your African daisies nutrients. ... Deadhead spent blooms to promote growth.
Is the African daisy edible?
African daisy has significant botanical characteristics. In addition, the daisy leaves are edible; therefore, some people add them to their salads.
Are African daisies medicinal?
People take wild daisy tea for coughs, bronchitis, disorders of the liver and kidneys, and swelling (inflammation). They also use it as a drying agent (astringent) and as a "blood purifier." Some people take homeopathic wild daisy for preventing problems during childbirth, pain and soreness, and minor bleeding.
Do African daisies make good cut flowers?
It makes a great cut flower, perfuming bouquets as well as the border. It grows best in full sun or part shade and moist, well-drained soil.
Are African daisies toxic?
African Daisies – Also known to the plant expert in your life as osteospermum – aren't you glad you learned something today? These are harmless to your cat or dog and come in a variety of colors. They wont necessarily help their breath but they also wont hurt their insides in moderation.
Which daisies are poisonous?
The daisies Verbesina encelioides (native to America, naturalised in Australia) and Wedelia asperrima (native to Western Australia) are known to cause lethal pulmonary oedema and pericardial effusion. It was initially assumed that the garden daisy in this case may have a similar toxic principle.
Can you use daisies to make tea?
Daisy tea is very refreshing and has a subtle lemony taste. Add 2 tsp of fresh daisies to 1 cup of boiled water. Infuse for 10 mins. Strain off the herbs and drink the liquid.
Can you smoke daisies?
People are smoking them! NOT a good idea, says Professor Monique Simmonds of Kew Gardens. According to her interview, smoking the flowers does induce an initial "high", and also releases hydrogen cyanide, a very toxic chemical similar to what was used in Nazi concentration camp gas chambers.
Are daisy flowers edible?
Roses, violets, daisies and nasturtiums are not only delightful to look at - they are edible. Their petals and blossoms give salads and desserts, smoothies, syrups and teas a unique and special flavor.
Do deer eat African daisies?
One deer-resistant flower is the African daisy (Osteospermum fruticosum), notes Cornell University. Also called freeway daisies or cape marigolds, African daisies are annuals everywhere and perennial in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 9 through 11.
How do you collect African daisy seeds?
0:562:29How to Collect the Seeds of Osteospermum/ African DaisyYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThey really grow like weeds. And they can traditionally. Grow in poor soil. However to maximizeMoreThey really grow like weeds. And they can traditionally. Grow in poor soil. However to maximize flowers you should plant them in well-drained soil. And water them at least once a week.
Do rabbits eat African daisies?
Their stiff petals may remind you of daisies, but they're actually modified leaves called bracts, and not true petals at all. Rabbits probably avoid them because they're stiff and papery. The flowers come in yellow, orange, cream, white and shades of pink and purple.
Why do African daisies stop blooming?
Because African daisies stop blooming during hot spells, they are best grown in combination with other plants that will have visual interest in the peak of summer. These flowers are fairly low-maintenance when grown in an environment they like. Make sure they have lots of sun and soil with good drainage.
What is the color of African daisy?
There are dozens of African daisy species and varieties, including: Osteospermum 'Passion Mix': This compact plant reaches around a foot tall and comes in a variety of colors (pink, purple, rose, and white), all with blue centers. This is an easy variety to grow from seed and is known for its heat tolerance.
What does an African daisy look like?
African daisies ( Osteospermum spp.) look a lot like common daisies, with petals radiating around a center disk. They are even in the Asteraceae family, along with shasta daisies and zinnias. But their vivid coloring is not at all like the classic daisy. In fact, when African daisies were first introduced to the market, ...
How much water do African daisies need?
Water. Although somewhat drought tolerant once established, African daisies still need at least 1 inch of water per week to grow their best. During periods of drought or intense heat, the plants will slow down and go dormant. Aim to keep the soil evenly moist.
What do the petals of daisies look like?
The leaves vary by variety; they can be lance-like or broadly ovate and smooth, toothed, or lobed. Petals can be smooth and flat like a typical daisy, or they can radiate out in a tubular spoon shape.
Do African daisies have diseases?
Common Pests/Diseases. There aren't many pests or diseases that attack African daisies if the plants are kept stress-free in the proper environment. However, in damp or humid conditions be on the lookout for fungal diseases, such as gray mold. 1 Such diseases will present with damaged or discolored foliage.
What is the best way to use African daisies?
The African Daisy can be used in so many different ways: borders, beds, containers, patios, walkways, decks, or any sunny garden location. This hardy flower grows in zones 9-11. It blooms best in full sun and can survive the heat.
What is the name of the African Daisy?
The African Daisy has a lot of different names: Cape Marigold, Star-of-the-Veldt, Dimorphotheca, Barberton Daisy, Veldt Daisy, Transvaal Daisy, and Gerber Daisy. The African Daisy blooms can be red, white, ...
Can African daisies be grown from seed?
Most African Daisies are purchased in a container, but can grow from seed. It is a perennial plant but is grown as an annual. This flower is great because it is easy to care for, blooms from spring to first frost, and boasts stunning bright colors.
Planting African Daisy
This flower should be planted in the spring when the threat of frost has passed. African Daisies have a fast growth rate and blooming will occur about 2 months after planting. Growing 1-3 feet tall and 1-2 feet wide, it is best to space each plant at least 12 inches apart.
Watering African Daisy
Once established, African Daisies are somewhat drought tolerant. For best results, water the flower with one inch of moisture per week. The goal is to keep the soil evenly moist. Careful of overwatering, as soggy soil can lead to root rot. During extreme heat or drought conditions, the African Daisy’s growth can slow down or even go dormant.
Fertilizing African Daisy
For healthy growth and optimal blooming, African Daisies like a lot of nourishment and feeding. Upon planting, apply a slow-release fertilizer. Throughout the growing season, apply a monthly application of fertilizer for flowering plants. Apply at the base of the plant and water well after each application.
Pruning African Daisy
During the early growing season, pinch the young plant two or three times to support strong stem growth and a bushier plant. Do this before flower buds appear. To encourage continued blooming, deadhead your African Daisy regularly. If this is not done, it can cause the plant to go to seed and blooming will stop.
Caring For African Daisy in Pots
African Daisies are typically planted with companion plants. With that said, spacing can be a bit less than the recommended 12 inches between plants. Plant African Daisies in a container that has good drainage holes. Use a well-draining potting mix and plan on frequent watering. Place the pot in a location that will get full sun each day.
Winter Care for African Daisy
African Daisies do not overwinter well and will die off with the first hard frost. Prior to a hard frost, you can bring this container plant indoors and store it in a room that is sheltered from the freezing temperatures. If possible, the room should offer bright light.
Common African Daisy Care Questions
In USDA Hardiness Zones 10 and 11, African Daisies (Osteospermum) are considered perennials, but in any other zone, they're grown mainly as annuals, as they're not fans of colder temperatures, at all.
What is the name of the African daisy?
African daisy is the common name of Osteospermum, a genus of daisy-like flowers within the Asteraceae family. These South African native daisies are also called the South African daisy, Cape daisy, blue-eyed daisy, and daisybush. Most African daisies in the Osteospermum genus are perennials.
How many different types of African daisies are there?
There are more than 70 species of African daisies of varying shapes and colors. African daisies can have yellow, red, blue, purple, white, or multicolored petals and blue or yellow centers. The petal shapes can be broad and smooth, and others spiky and slim. Popular varieties include:
What is a blue eyed daisy?
Popular varieties include: ‘Blue Eyed Beauty’: This multi-colored daisy is a variety of Osteospermum ecklonis species with a blue and yellow center. The petals are purple at the center and transition to yellow at the edges.
When do African daisies bloom?
How to Grow and Care for African Daisies. African daisies will bloom in temperate climates during the late spring and early summer and again in late summer and early fall. African daisies are perennials, though in places with heavy frost, they’re grown as annual flowers.
Is African daisy a perennial?
Most African daisies in the Osteospermum genus are perennials. African daisies used to be classified within the Dimorphotheca genus, but only the annual species of the flower (such as the Cape marigold) remain in that genus.
Do African daisies need sun?
African daisies grow best in full sun, and while they can grow in light shade, they will produce fewer flowers. During the summer, the daisies will stop blooming to survive the stress of the heat and will resume blooming in the fall. Let the soil dry between waterings.
Do You Trim African Daisies: When And How To Prune African Daisy Plants
African daisy delights gardeners with a profusion of brightly colored flowers throughout the long summer blooming season. But it needs regular care, including an occasional trim. Learn about pruning African daisies in this article.
Growing African Daisies – Tips For Growing Osteospermum
Many people may wonder what is osteospermum? This flower is better known as the African daisy. Learn how to care for African daisies in your garden by reading the info in this article.
What is the African daisy?
These cheery flowers are a vibrant addition to your garden. The genus Osteospermum (African Daisy) belongs to the family Asteraceae which encompasses sunflowers and daisies.
What are African daisies called?
Its varieties get easily confused with one another because the group of flowers known as African daisies carries the nicknames of Floss Flower, Bluemink, and Blueweed. These fluffy flowers come in a variety of colors including white, blue, lavender, and pink.
What are the different types of African daisies?
Types of African Daisies Flowers. The daisy looks similar the world over and a multitude of varieties exist, indigenous to most continents. The petals resemble rays of sunshine and form a disc shape. The flat petals create a flower similar in shape to a sunflower. In fact, the daisy belongs to the same family as sunflowers, zinnias, chrysanthemums, ...
What is the daisy family?
While people tend to think of the wild daisies growing by the roadside with their quarter to half-dollar-sized blooms, the daisy family actually spans a massive selection of flowering plant options. You have an entire rainbow of colors, shades, and hues from which to choose.
Where do frilly daisies come from?
The frilly petals come from its hybridization. The flower is a cross between three wild daisy varieties that naturally grow on Mount Shasta, California, and the oxeye daisy. The white of petals resembles the snowcaps of Mount Shasta, hence the name. This hybrid spawned many cultivars.
What are the colors of African daisies?
These fluffy flowers come in a variety of colors including white, blue, lavender, and pink. If you love having butterflies and bees in your yard, these flowers attract them. Growing African Daisy plants beautify your garden in more than one way.
When do daisies bloom?
Depending on the cultivar you choose, a daisy blooms in early spring, late spring, or summer. Some varieties blossom in early spring and continue to flower throughout summer. You can get a lot of curb appeal out of these cheery, hardworking, low-maintenance flowers.
What is an African daisy?
Frequently, the common name “ African Daisy ,” is used to refer to several different genus and species of flowering plants. Arctotis African daisies are just one example of this. These brightly colored and carefree flowers can add appeal to ornamental beds or be used in attractive mass plantings.
What is the purpose of incorporating daisies into an ornamental garden?
Image by Dmitry Potashkin. Incorporating various types of daisies into the ornamental garden is an easy way to add a vibrant burst of color to the landscape. In using only common names, however, confusion among gardeners can feel frustrating.
Can Arctotis daisy grow in sandy soil?
This, in addition to their ability to withstand long periods of drought, makes them ideal for growing in rock gardens or in sandy soils. Arctotis daisy care is minimal.
Is Arctotis daisy perennial?
The manner in which gardeners grow Arctotis daisies depends greatly upon their growing zone. This plant behaves as a perennial throughout USDA growing zones 9-11. However, those living outside of these regions will be able to grow the flowers in landscape borders by treating the plant as an annual.
Growing African Daisies
Though the growing conditions of African daisies can differ slightly based on the different varieties, there are a few general things you should know.
Propagation Methods
Most species of African daisies are grown from cuttings, but there are some varieties that can be grown from seeds as well. If you don’t want to bother with the whole propagating process, buying some young African daisy plants from a nursery is also an option.
African Daisy Care and Maintenance
African daisies are strong flowering plants that don’t need a lot of effort or time to maintain. However, with proper care and attention, you can get them to produce flowers in mass amounts and super quickly.
How Often Should I water African Daisies?
African daisies are drought-tolerant plants, but they do need frequent watering in the summer as well as in the blooming season. However, the amount of water has to be reduced to a certain extent in the winter and rainy seasons.
Should I Prune and Deadhead My Plants?
Prune your African daisies from time to time to stimulate the growth rate and shape up the shrubs for landscaping purposes. Whenever you feel like the plants are overgrown and out of shape, trim the stem tips from just above the first node. Use a clean, sharp tool for this, and be careful not to prune any tips with flower buds.
What are Some Common Pests and Diseases?
African daisies are resilient plants that don’t easily attract a lot of pests and diseases. However, common garden pests like aphids, slugs, earwigs, and whiteflies can pose a threat to them. You can simply control these pests with the help of a good pesticide or insecticide.
Wrapping Up
If you’re looking for a hassle-free flowering shrub that can add dynamic and vivid colors to your garden, then African daisies are a great way to go. The best part about growing these plants is that you don’t need to be a gardening expert to do a great job.
