Methods for cultivating Osteospermum, a popular blooming plant
Let's Talk About Osteospermum, AKA the Cape or African Daisy
Get ready for some vibrant, colorful blooms from summer through autumn with the mega-popular Osteospermum! Often used as a border plant in milder regions or annual bedding, these could also work great in your containers on a sunny patio or windowsill. The cool party begins when you pick from a plethora of colors and cultivars, and don't forget—these bad boys attract pollinators like a charm.
Growing Osteospermum 101
Pick a lovely, sheltered spot with well-drained soil to enjoy full sun. Not a fan of digging? No worries, Osteospermums are just as homey in a container on your sunlit patio or windowsill.
From Seeds to Sprouts
In case you buy ready-grown varieties, remember to incorporate some grit for impeccable drainage, and water 'em well. Osteospermums rock in containers with grasses and summer bedding plants.
- Growing Annuals from Seeds 102
Propagation: Let's Make it Two-for-One!
Osteospermums are tender perennials, and you can ensure their survival by taking cuttings in spring or late summer. Find a non-flowering shoot, cut the tip off, strip the leaves, and dip in hormone rooting powder. Plant multiple cuttings around the edges of a pot, water well, and wait for roots to form before poting on.
Aphids, Your Worst Enemy
Watch out for pesky aphids that might swoop in on your beautiful Osteospermums. Check out our guide to learn how to kick those intruders out of your garden. Osteospermums can also fall victim to downy mildew if you're not keeping up with watering.
Care Guidelines
Some varieties of Osteospermum require a bit more tender loving care, specifically in cooler regions. These can be grown as annuals or moved indoors to conserve energy during autumn and overwinter. Hardy osteospermums should be pruned back in early spring or after autumn blooming. Water these plants regularly to avoid drying out.
Feeding and Deadheading
Feed Osteospermums weekly during the growing season with a general plant food to promote continuous flowering, and deadhead as flowers fade.
Tempting Osteospermum Varieties
- Osteospermum ecklonis: With stunning white petals emerging blue on the reverse and a deep blue center, this one's a show-stopper! Height x Spread: 1m x 1m
- Osteospermum jucundum var. compactum - A velvety little number boasting narrow, green foliage combined with the added bonus of being an attractive, weed-suppressing groundcover plant with purple flowers from summer through autumn. H x S: 20cm x 60cm
- Osteospermum 'Sunny Philip' - Starring striking white flowers with petals twisting to reveal a purple underside, it's an excellent choice for a mixed, sunny border or as an interesting cut flower. It's a bit on the tender side and best grown as an annual. H x S: 60cm x 60cm
- Osteospermum 'Sunny Mary' - This variety offers a massive outpouring of beautiful, bold, purple-pink flowers from summer till autumn. Perfect for a mixed, sunny border, it will add color and a splash of excitement to your Osteospermum collection. Tender perennial, grow it as an annual or move pots indoors to overwinter. H x S: 60cm x 60cm
Nurture your home-and-garden lifestyle by cultivating Osteospermum plants for a vibrant display. These Cape or African Daisies can be grown in containers on your sunlit patio or window sill, making them a perfect addition to your home-and-garden space, as well as your home's exterior. To create a visually appealing home-and-garden atmosphere, consider pairing Osteospermum with grasses and summer bedding plants in your container garden or garden beds.
