
Introduction
Osteospermum, the African Daisy, with its vibrant and cheerful flowers, is a show-stopper in any garden. Its daisy-like blooms come in a dazzling array of colours, from bright oranges and yellows to soft pinks and whites.
Native to South Africa, this plant thrives in sunny locations and is loved for its low maintenance and drought tolerance.
African Daisies make a great addition to borders, rockeries, or containers. Their ability to complement ornamental grasses and other drought-tolerant plants, such as Lavender or Salvia, makes them a versatile choice for gardeners aiming to create eye-catching displays.
All about the plant
African Daisies are unique in their response to sunlight: their flowers close during the night or in cloudy weather, revealing their intricate petal patterns during the day. These plants are a delight to gardeners seeking both beauty and resilience in their outdoor spaces.
What sets Osteospermum apart is its unique flower structure. The petals can be spoon-shaped or elongated, often with contrasting centre discs, creating a striking visual appeal.
Key facts
- Scientific name and any synonyms: Osteospermum spp.
- Meaning of scientific plant name: “Osteospermum” translates to “bone seed,” referring to the hard nature of the seeds.
- Common names: African Daisy, Cape Daisy, Blue-eyed Daisy
- Plant family: Asteraceae
- Place of origin of the plant: South Africa
- Type of plant: Perennial (often grown as an annual in colder climates)
- Size: Typically 12–18 inches (30–45 cm) tall
- Foliage – Description of foliage: Lance-shaped, grey-green leaves with a slightly fleshy texture
- Flower – Description of flower and flowering time: Daisy-like flowers with a central disc surrounded by colourful petals; blooms from late spring to early autumn
- Fruit – Description of fruit (if any) and fruiting time: Produces small, dry, and hard seeds after flowering
- Toxicity: Non-toxic to pets and humans, making it a safe choice for family gardens.

Care requirements
Care Aspect | Details |
---|---|
Light requirements: | Full sun |
Water and humidity requirements: | Moderate water needs; drought-tolerant once established; prefers low humidity |
Temperature requirements: | Thrives in 50–75°F (10–24°C); tolerates 40°F (4°C) briefly; hardy in USDA zones 9–11 and UK zones H2 |
Soil requirements: | Well-drained soil; prefers sandy or loamy soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH |
Feeding requirements: | Feed monthly with a balanced, slow-release fertiliser during the growing season |
Propagation: | Propagate through seeds or cuttings; cuttings are the preferred method for preserving specific cultivars |
Pruning: | Deadhead spent blooms to encourage continuous flowering; cut back in late autumn to maintain shape |
Pests and diseases: | Susceptible to aphids and whiteflies; fungal diseases like powdery mildew may occur if grown in overly damp conditions |
Best cultivars

- ‘Whirligig’: Known for its striking, bi-coloured flowers in shades of purple and white; grows to 12 inches (30 cm).
- ‘Soprano Orange’: Features vivid orange blooms with a blue centre; compact, reaching 10–12 inches (25–30 cm).
- ‘Summertime Beauty’: Lavender-pink petals with a golden-yellow centre; taller variety, growing up to 18 inches (45 cm).
- ‘Lemon Symphony’: Bright yellow petals with a dark purple centre; perfect for creating bold garden displays.
- ‘Zion Red’: Deep red petals with a gold ring around the central disc; adds warmth and richness to any flower bed.
- ‘Brightside Pink’: A soft pink variety with long-lasting blooms; thrives in borders or pots.
- ‘Astra Purple’: Compact and mounding habit with purple flowers; ideal for smaller spaces or rock gardens.
- ‘Snow Pixie’: Pure white blooms that add elegance and contrast to colourful flower arrangements.

Propagation
The easiest method to propagate Osteospermum is through softwood cuttings taken in late spring or early summer:
- Select a healthy, non-flowering stem and cut a 10-15 cm length just below a leaf node.
- Remove the lower leaves, leaving only the top 2-3 pairs.
- Dip the cut end in rooting hormone.
- Insert the cutting into a pot filled with a mix of peat and perlite.
- Cover with a clear plastic bag to maintain humidity and place in a warm, bright location out of direct sunlight.
- Roots should develop in 2-3 weeks. Once rooted, acclimate the new plant gradually to outdoor conditions.
Common Problems & Solutions
- Powdery mildew: White powdery coating on leaves. Improve air circulation and avoid overhead watering. Apply fungicide if severe.
- Aphids: Small insects that cluster on new growth. Remove with a strong jet of water or use insecticidal soap.
- Spider mites: Tiny pests that cause stippling on leaves. Increase humidity and treat with neem oil or miticide.
- Root rot: Caused by overwatering or poor drainage. Ensure well-draining soil and avoid overwatering. Remove affected plants.
- Leaf spot: Brown or black spots on leaves. Remove affected foliage and improve air circulation. Apply fungicide if necessary.
- Frost damage: Brown, mushy growth after freezing temperatures. Prune damaged areas in spring and provide winter protection in colder regions.
Martin Cole has been an avid plant lover and gardener for more than 20 years and loves to talk and write about gardening. In 2006 he was a finalist in the BBC Gardener of the Year competition. He is a member of the National dahlia Society.
He previously lived in London and Sydney, Australia, where he took a diploma course in Horticultural studies and is now based in North Berwick in Scotland. He founded GardeningStepbyStep.com in 2012. The website is aimed at everybody who loves plants or has been bitten by the gardening bug and wants to know more.
Gardening Step by Step has been cited by Thompson and Morgan, the UK’s largest mail order plant retailer, as a website that publishes expert gardening content.