Osteospermum Growing Guide

What is Osteospermum?

Osteospermum () also known as Veldt Daisies, African daisy or Cape Daisy is a bushy evergreen perennial. It is part of the Asteraceae family and is native to South Africa. It is a low growing spreading shrub that forms a mounding habit. Osteospermum has irregular toothed green foliage and daisy-like flowers. The flowering period begins usually in early Spring and will go until Autumn if some pruning and fertilising occurs and the weather doesn’t get too hot during Summer. These flowers come in a huge assortment of colours and flower styles. The most common colours are shades of pink, purples, yellows, creams, and oranges. Most flowers have a deep violet center however newer hybrids now come with a deep yellow center. Osteospermum prefer a full sun position in the garden and although not picky on the soil type they do require free draining soil. Once established these plants are drought tolerant and very tough and will tolerate dry soils.

Benefits of Growing Osteospermum

Osteospermum are very easy to grow and are very low maintenance. They are ideal for sunny borders, mass plantings and great for containers. If planted in a rockery or a cottage style garden they would not look out of place. Once established they make good weeds prevention plants as weeds will struggle to push through.

How to Grow Osteospermum

Osteospermum Purple Sun

Climatic Zones

Cool to tropical

Plant Size

Normal varieties Height: 40cm, Width: 60cm

Smaller varieties Height: 30cm, Width: 30cm

When To Plant Osteospermum

Plant in Spring.

Soil Preparation

They tolerate most soil types but must be planted in free draining soil.

How To Plant Osteospermum

Plant in full sun, 30-40cm apart with the plant crown at soil level.

Osteospermum Plant Care

Water to establish, then keep moist during flowering period to keep them blooming at their best. They will cope with dry conditions but will not flower as well.

Deadheaded to promote more flowers and pruned back in early Spring to maintain a good bushy habit.

Add some fertiliser for a second flush of flowers.

Recommended Osteospermum Varieties

With a steady stream of brightly coloured flowers the Osteospermum is a low maintenance plant that will give you months of colour.

Osteospermum Zion Red

Osteospermum 3d Pink

Osteospermum Spider Purple