Species African daisy
Magenta-white flower with dark-violet  center, orange anthers and green leaves

African daisy

Osteospermum 'Wildside'

Cycle:

Herbaceous Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Seed Propagation,Cutting,Division,Layering Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

10 - 11

Flowers:

Purple ray flowers with a blue center Flowers

Sun:

Full sun

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

High

Maintenance:

Moderate

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

watering

The African daisy (Osteospermum 'Wildside') is a low-maintenance plant that prefers ample sunlight and well-draining soil. During summer, this plant should be watered every 3-4 days, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between each watering. In the cooler months, watering can be reduced to about once a week. When watering, it is important to ensure the soil is thoroughly moistened, but not soggy. For outdoor plants, apply enough water so that it drains out of the bottom of the container.

sunlight

African daisy (Osteospermum 'Wildside') prefers full sun or partial shade. The optimal amount of sunlight for this plant is 6 to 8 hours per day, ideally with the sun directly on the plant from late morning until early evening. This will ensure the plant receives consistent sun exposure at the hottest parts of the day, allowing the African daisy to best thrive. During summer months, the plant should be moved to a spot that receives a bit more shade during the hottest part of the day to protect it from being scorched by the midday sun.

pruning

African daisy (Osteospermum 'Wildside') should be pruned once a year in late winter or early spring, before the new growth begins. Pruning helps keep the plant healthy and promotes new growth. To prune African daisies, remove any dead, damaged, or diseased foliage and stems and then lightly prune the plant to create a bushier shape. Prune back to encourage branching and to keep the plant from becoming too tall or overgrown. When pruning, make sure to leave enough foliage to provide shade and insulation to the crown of the daisy.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Osteospermum 'Wildside' typically starts flowering in late spring, usually in May or June.

Starts Flowering

Osteospermum 'Wildside' typically starts flowering in late spring, usually in May or June.

Hardiness Map

FAQ

Do African daisies attract butterflies and bees?

Yes, African daisies are a popular source of nectar for both butterflies and bees. These flowers have bright, showy petals that open to reveal a dark center of serrated petals. These features make African daisies quite attractive to pollinators like butterflies and bees, as they offer pollen and nectar for them to feed on. Additionally, the flower's bright sunny colors and light-filled fragrance make it an attractive habitat for these creatures.

Are African daisies suitable for container gardening?

African daisies are perfect for container gardening! They are low-maintenance plants and have daisy-shaped flowers in shades of yellow, orange, white, or pink. African daisies thrive in full sun or partial shade, making them well-suited for outdoor container gardens. The soil should be moderately moist and well-draining to provide proper drainage. African daisies are hearty plants and thrive even in hot, dry climates. Just make sure to water and fertilize the plants accordingly. With proper care and maintenance, African daisies can be long-lasting additions to your container garden!

Should I deadhead African daisy flowers?

Yes, you should deadhead African daisies to encourage the foliage to continue to bloom. Deadheading involves removing spent flowers from the stem. This will not only keep the foliage looking neat and tidy, but will also help the plants to focus their energy on producing more blooms. Removal of spent blossoms will also help prevent the spread of any diseases or pests that could compromise the health of the African daisies.

Could African daisies be used as ground cover plants?

Yes, African daisies (or Osteospermum) can be used as ground cover plants in many areas. These low-growing plants can form a dense mat and have a long bloom season, depending on the variety. They exhibit a variety of colors, ranging from white to pinks and purples. Their spreading habit makes them well suited for covering large areas and they can be drought tolerant in dry climates. Osteospermum can generally be divided and replanted, making them an excellent choice for ground cover.

Do African daisies tolerate drought conditions?

Yes, African daisies are incredibly drought-tolerant. Not only do they require little water, but they also have root systems that can reach up to a meter in depth, enabling them to access water from underground reserves. Furthermore, the daisies have thick waxy leaves that act as a protective layer, helping to limit water loss from their foliage. As such, they manage to survive even in the driest of conditions without struggling.

Is the African daisy an annual or perennial plant?

The African daisy is actually a perennial plant. It has the ability to regrow from its root systems after blooms and foliage die back, making it a long-lasting bloomer. African daisies are drought and heat tolerant and can flourish in many different types of soil. They prefer well-draining soil and full sun. The earliest blooms appear in winter and last through the summer months.

Are African daisies deer-resistant?

African daisies are generally considered to be deer-resistant, meaning that deer will generally not feed on them. The flower blooms with bright colors like oranges and yellow and has a distinct petal shape that makes it distinguishable from other plants. In addition, its strong aroma can act as a repellent against deer and other animals that would normally feed on plants.

Could African daisies be grown in rock gardens??

Yes, African daisies can be grown in rock gardens. African daisies are tough and hardy plants that are suitable for warm climates, such as the ones found in rock gardens. They prefer full sun and rocky, well-draining soils, which makes them perfect for rock gardens. In addition, they require little water and maintenance once established, making them easy to maintain in a rock garden. With proper care, African daisies can be grown and enjoyed in rock gardens all year long.