The African daisy typically starts flowering in late spring, usually in April or May.
African daisy
Arctotis hybrida
The African daisy (Arctotis hybrida) is an amazing specimen of flower, with stunning white and orange petals that spread wide and proud. Perfect for both the garden bed and vase, the African daisy will bring a touch of sunshine to any spot. Along with its showy flowers, this species produces a sweet, strong scent that will linger in the air. Easy to grow and maintain, African daisies are an ideal choice for any garden. A true symbol of beauty and life, the African daisy is an amazing way to brighten any space.
Cycle:
Herbaceous Perennial
Watering:
Average
Propagation:
Seed Propagation,Cutting,Division,Layering Propagation
Hardiness Zone:
9 - 11
Flowers:
Red, yellow, pink, purple or white rays with yellow or black eyes Flowers
Sun:
Full sun
Leaf:
Yes
Leaf Color:
green,purple
Growth Rate:
Low
Maintenance:
Moderate
Care Level:
Medium
watering
African daisies should be watered once or twice a week depending on the environment and soil conditions. The soil should remain moist, but not soggy, so water deeply, but only when the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry. During hot summer days, water more frequently since African daisies prefer to stay well hydrated. To avoid overwatering, allow the plant to fully drain before watering again. It is best to water in the morning so that the foliage is able to dry off before nightfall.
sunlight
African daisies need full sun to partial shade in order to thrive. They prefer an area that gets at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day. In warmer climates, they can handle more sun but shorter periods of sunlight. In cooler climates, they will need more shade to protect them from freezing temperatures. Additionally, African daisies need moderate to occasional watering throughout the summer months. During the winter months, they will not need as much water and should be watered sparingly. African daisies are a resilient flower and suitable for a variety of environments.
pruning
African daisies should be pruned in the late spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. Remove dead or damaged stems from the base of the plant and lightly prune to shape the plant as desired. Do not cut off more than 1-third of the total plant. To keep African daisies in their best condition, remove faded or spent flowers at the end of each summer season to promote new blooms the following spring.
Season
Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering
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.
