With various colors and shapes, these popular flowers can brighten your garden
| Common Name | African daisy, cape daisy, osteospermum |
| Botanical Name | Osteospermum spp. |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Plant Type | Perennial, annual |
| Mature Size | 1–3 ft. tall, 1–2 ft. wide |
What is Osteospermum?
The plant is native to Africa, hence the common name “African Daisy”. Osteospermum represents purity and innocence. There are many Osteospermum hybrids available these days.
Why is Osteospermum called chamomile?
Osteospermum is called chamomile, because the flowers in representatives of this genus are outwardly similar to the inflorescences of plants belonging to the genus Nivyanik. As ornamental plants, gardeners grow only a few types of osteospermum. Osteospermum is an evergreen plant that does not exceed 100 centimeters in height.
What is the difference between Daisies and Osteospermum?
Osteospermum, or African daisies, have flowers that look very familiar, yet totally foreign. You may even think they've been dyed or painted. African daisies look a lot like common daisies, with petals radiating around a center disk.
Can you plant Osteospermum in the fall?
Planting osteospermum. This is preferably done in spring. You may also plant in fall if winters in your region are reliably mild. Be careful because the plant is vulnerable to freezing below 23°F (-5°C) and it cannot survive temperatures that are lower than that.
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What is another name for osteospermum?
African daisyAlthough commonly called African daisy, it's important to remember the botanical name of Osteospermum, as other garden plants such as Dimorphotheca and Arcotis go by the same common name. Other names include South African daisy, Cape daisy, Cape marigold, blue-eyed daisy, or sunscape daisy.
What is the common name for 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.
Is osteospermum a chrysanthemum?
Osteospermum /ˌɒstiəˈspɜːrməm, -tioʊ-/, 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.
What kind of flower is osteospermum?
Osteospermum is from Africa, hence the name African daisies. Growing African daisies require conditions similar to those found in Africa. It likes heat and full sun. It needs well-drained soil and, in fact, will tolerate dry soils.
Will Osteospermum come back every year?
Osteospermum are perennial flowers that can survive winter in regions with mild climates. The more they're sheltered and protected from the cold, the higher the chance of keeping them year after year.
Are there different types of Osteospermum?
Cape margueriteShrubby daisybushAfrican daisies/Lower classifications
How long do Osteospermum plants last?
Osteospermum colours include pink, white, and shades of yellow. The plants will bloom for eight weeks or more if old flowers are removed.
Should I prune Osteospermum?
Cut back hardy osteospermums in early spring or after flowering in autumn. All osteospermums need watering regularly – don't allow them to dry out.
Do you deadhead Osteospermum?
Osteospermum respond well to regular deadheading. Although many are sterile and so will not produce seed, this will at least keep your flowers looking tidy. They are normally unbothered by pests, however do keep an eye out for whitefly and aphids which can damage petals and leaves.
Do osteospermums bloom all summer?
In many instances, the plants will take a break from blooming during the hot summer until cool nights resume in fall. Ideally, osteospermum prefers full sun; the more light you can give them, the better they will bloom.
Should osteospermum be cut back in winter?
Cut back to remove winter damage and maintain appearance in spring.
Why is it called osteospermum?
Names. The scientific name is derived from the Greek osteon (bone) and Latin spermum (seed). It has been given several common names: African daisy, South African daisy, Cape daisy and blue-eyed daisy.
Are African daisies the same as gerbera daisies?
Gerbera daisies are also know as African daisies, Barberton daisies, Transvaal Daisies and Veldt daisies.
Why are they called African daisies?
African daisies are native to Africa. Some cultivars of the African daisy have fascinating spoon shaped petals. African daisies thrive in sunny and warm habitats.
What are the different types of African daisies?
Cape margueriteShrubby daisybushAfrican daisies/Lower classifications
What does African daisy symbolize?
Symbols of purity, innocence, and loyal love, daisies are also synonymous with grandeur, fidelity, and good esteem, in the language of flowers. African daisy is special, as it can express great flattery such as “you are the cutest,” a message admired by anyone who receives them, both women and men.
How tall is Osteospermum?
Name – Osteospermum. Family – Asteraceae. Type – flower, perennial. Height – 8 to 24 inches (20 to 60 cm) Exposure – full sun. Soil – well-drained, loaded with humus. Foliage – evergreen. Flowering – May to October. Care from planting and pruning and from spring to fall will significantly increase the blooming.
Why is Osteospermum so interesting?
Osteospermum is a very interesting plant because its foliage is evergreen and it stays magnificent in winter.
Is osteospermum a perennial?
All there is to know about osteospermum. Pinterest. A very beautiful perennial with an abundant blooming for the most part of the year, osteospermum is also a very easy plant to grow and it resists most diseases very well. The range of colors it offers goes from white to pink, passing through blue and violet.
Does Osteospermum resist insects?
Osteospermum resists insects, parasites and diseases particularly well.
Can you cut back osteospermum?
If your Osteospermum have grown too tall and leggy, with just a few steps you can cut them back.
Can osteospermum survive winter?
Planting osteospermum. Osteospermum are perennial flowers that can survive winter in regions with mild climates. The more they’re sheltered and protected from the cold, the higher the chance of keeping them year after year.
What zone do you grow osteospermum in?
Osteospermums, similar to snapdragons and pansies, are most often grown as cool-season annuals that pack a fragrant punch. Some varieties are hardy to Zones 10-11, but it's best to grow them in mild climates.
When does osteospermum take a break from blooming?
In many instances, the plants will take a break from blooming during the hot summer until cool nights resume in fall. Ideally, osteospermum prefers full sun; the more light you can give them, the better they will bloom. Osteospermum prefers evenly moist, well-drained soils.
What is the name of the flower that blooms in spring?
With their daisylike blossoms in a myriad of colors, osteospermums were an instant hit. These cheery blooms, planted on their own or with other cool-season plants like pansies, make a lively display in spring or fall. genus name. Osteospermum. light.
Can osteospermums survive drought?
However, too-wet soil is a sure way to stress out, and even kill, osteospermums. Once they are established, they are fairly tolerant of drought. Remove any spent blooms and fertilize regularly to keep them blooming and looking their best. One common pest you may see on osteospermums is thrips.
Do osteospermum blooms stay open all day?
Research is being done to create longer-lasting blooms that stay open all day and night. Also, the center disk flowers have been modified to be longer and denser, creating a 3-D effect. New colors of osteospermum are constantly being created, as well.
What does "osteospermum" mean?
Osteospermum (African Daisy) Osteospermum. (African Daisy) Name Meaning. Flower Symbolism. Interesting Facts. Plant Data. Osteospermum is a genus of about 50 species of annuals, perennials and sub-shrubs in the family Asteraceae. Osteospermum has beautiful daisy-like flowers in a variety of colors.
What are the hybrids of Osteospermum ecklonis?
The species which are commercially available are hybrids of Osteospermum ecklonis, Osteospermum jucundum and several other species. These hybrid s have large flowers, good shape and longer bloom period. They are attractive and can form a dramatic display of color when planted in mass. They have increased in popularity and a number ...
What is the name of the flower head that contains a disc?
Like other members of the Asteraceae family, the blooms are actually flower heads composed of a central disc which contains a number of tiny individual flowers known as florets. Most of the species have flat petals, although there are some lovely varieties with spoon-shaped petals.
How To Grow Osteospermum
Growing Osteospermum can be easy if you follow a few guidelines. Make sure the soil is well-drained and that your flower bed is in full sun. Having dense soil or soil with little drainage can be a problem. It may contribute to mildew and mold developing within the root system. This can damage your entire Osteospermum garden.
Propagation
If you wish, you can propagate Osteospermum each year. This will preserve your favorite plants over the winter. Take cuttings at the end of the summer season from shoots that are non-flowering. Use a sharp knife and cut a 45° angle about 3-6 inches from the tip. Remove the bottom leaves to make room for the new roots to form.
General Care for Osteospermum
Established Osteospermum plants are resistant to drought and neglect. Water new plants to make them stable. Water daily in the absence of rain. Feel the soil to measure dampness. If the soil is too damp, it may cause rotting at the root.
Osteospermum Plant Details
Osteospermum have many different shapes and colors. They often have a similar shape and form to a traditional daisy. But, Osteospermum varieties often have gradient-colored petals in a multitude of colors. The traditional Daisy has a yellow center. The centers of African Daisies are often dark colored.
Osteospermum Varieties
The traditional Osteospermum was usually white or peach colored. Yet, over the years, many other colors have emerged. Now you can now find African Daisies of every color of the rainbow. You can find many flowers which resemble a traditional daisy. These have white petals and purple centers. Others are pink and purple with dark blue centers.
Some Extra Tips
As with many plants, the threat of pests is a concern. You may discover that earwigs will eat the petals of the flowers. Or you have caterpillars or slugs which will eat the leaves. Butare the biggest threat. They can destroy your entire flower garden.
The Takeaway
When you want a beautiful flower garden without the hassle, Osteospermum is a great flower to plant. African Daisies come in a variety of fun and beautiful varieties. The traditional Daisy form of Osteospermum is sure to please.
Scientific classification
Scientific Name: Dimorphotheca ecklonis or Osteospermum Synonyms: Osteospermum ecklonis. Common Names: Cape marguerite, African daisies, Van Staden’s river daisy, Sundays river daisy, white daisy bush, blue-and-white daisy bush, star of the veldt.
How to grow and maintain Osteospermum
Light: It thrives best in bright light. The blooms close up at night and don’t open during cloudy or overcast weather.
How long does it take for osteospermum to grow?
You should see growing osteospermum seedlings in about 2 weeks. Once the seedlings are 2”-3” (5 to 7.5 cm.) high, you can transplant them into individual pots to grow until the last frost has passed. After the first frost, you can plant the seedlings in your garden.
What is the name of the flower that is used in flower arrangements?
Osteospermum has become a very popular plant for flower arrangements in the past few years. Many people may wonder what is osteospermum? This flower is better known as the African daisy.
How tall do Osteospermum '4D' plants grow?
Osteospermum '4D': Known for their fluffy, tufted centers, these flowers remain open all day even in hot weather. The plants grow up to 14 inches high. Osteospermum 'Flower Power Spider White': These blooms have odd, spoon-shaped, white and lavender petals with a gold center. The plants grow roughly 14 inches tall.
How big does Osteospermum apricot get?
Osteospermum 'Sideshow Copper Apricot': This variety has striking pale apricot flowers with a purple center disk. It grows up to 12 inches high.
History
First introduced into Europe in the late 1800s, African Daisies have since been bred and cultivated to such a degree that there are just under 950 recognized varieties and cultivars as listed by The Royal Horticultural Society.
How to Plant and Grow African Daisies
Plant African Daisies in spring after the risk of frost has passed. Bear in mind that African Daisy plants are perennials that are winter hardy to USDA zones 9-11, in zones below this, they can still grow but will behave as annuals.
How to Propagate African Daisies
African Daisy plants can be easily propagated through cuttings or from seed. However, since most varieties are hybrids, seeds may not grow true to the parent plant.
Care and Maintenance
African Daisies prefer slightly acidic, moist, well-draining soil. Well-draining soil is key for these plants, if needed, amend clay-soil types by adding compost or pine bark to improve drainage and aeration. If the soil type is sandy, improve water retention by amending with 2-3 inches of pine bark humus or peat moss.
Uses of African Daisies
With their colorful flowers and long blooming season, Osteospermum flowers make particularly lovely cut flowers for the home. They are also a top choice for urban gardens since they grow extremely well in containers. Use them to liven up an apartment balcony or bring a pop of color to patio gardens.
Common Varieties and Cultivars
With so many African Daisy varieties and cultivars, choosing the right fit for your garden may seem daunting. But below is a list of popular and beautiful choices, all with similar care and maintenance needs:
