African daisies (Osteospermum spp.) look a lot like common daisies, with petals radiating around a center disk. They are even members of the Asteraceae family, along with Shasta daisies and zinnias.
But, their vivid coloring is not at all like the classic daisy. African daisies come in a variety of stunning shades including white, cream, pink, yellow, purple, and blue.
These flowers are best planted in the spring after the threat of frost has passed, usually at around 25 degrees Fahrenheit. While African daisies can survive a surprise frost, they cannot tolerate repeated frosts.
African daisies have a fairly quick growth rate, blooming about two months after sprouting from seeds. Reliably hardy in zones 10 to 11, these tender perennials are planted as annuals in other climate zones. On average, African daises live 2 to 3 years as perennials.
The trailing African daisy, also known as osteospermum fruticosum, is a vibrant and hardy ground cover plant perfect for gardens. With its cascading flowers and adaptability, this beautiful perennial is a landscape staple.
An Overview of Trailing African Daisies
Osteospermum fruticosum belongs to the Asteraceae plant family along with other daisies and sunflowers It is native to South Africa and belongs to the genus Osteospermum, consisting of over 30 species of flowering plants The perennial is known by several common names including trailing African daisy, African daisy, blue-eyed daisy, Cape daisy, and spreading daisy bush.
The trailing African daisy is a sprawling evergreen subshrub with lush green foliage. Its fast growing woody stems can reach up to 18 inches long. The fleshy spoon-shaped leaves are greenish blue in color. From spring to fall, these hardy plants produce an abundance of colorful daisy-like blooms in shades of purple, pink, white or yellow. The 2-3 inch flowers open during the day to attract pollinators and close at night.
Growing Conditions
Osteospermum fruticosum thrives in hot, dry conditions They require full sun exposure and low to moderate watering once established Excellent drainage is a must to prevent fungal diseases. Trailing African daisies can tolerate partial shade in very hot climates but prefer full sun for optimal flowering.
These carefree plants adapt well to a variety of soils as long as the pH level is neutral to slightly alkaline Fertilization is generally not necessary but a balanced fertilizer can be applied in early spring to encourage blooms if needed It’s important to avoid overwatering as these plants don’t tolerate wet feet well.
Trailing African daisies have good cold hardiness and can withstand temperatures down to 20°F (-6°C) without damage. They easily recover from frost or snow. Extreme summer heat may cause temporary dormancy. As long as their basic needs are met, these rugged plants can thrive with minimal care.
Uses in the Landscape
Thanks to their versatility, trailing African daisies are perfect for flower beds, rock gardens, borders, containers or as groundcovers. Their cascading habit makes them ideal for planting on banks, slopes, retaining walls, and raised planter beds where they can drape gracefully. Mass plantings create vibrant carpets of color.
These spreading plants mix beautifully with ornamental grasses, bulbs, annuals and perennials. Try combining their vibrant hues with red or orange flowers. Trailing African daisies also make excellent container plants. Let them spill over the edges of hanging baskets or window boxes. Plant with cool blue or silver foliage plants like dusty miller for contrast.
Care and Maintenance
Trailing African daisies require minimal care once established. Remove spent blooms regularly to encourage continuous flowering. Light pruning in early spring keeps the plant full and compact. Cut back any dead or frost damaged shoots.
To propagate new plants, take 6 inch tip cuttings in spring or summer. Dip the stem ends in rooting hormone then plant in sterile potting mix. Keep the cuttings moist until roots develop. Mature plants can be easily divided in spring.
Watch for signs of diseases like powdery mildew, especially in humid conditions. Improve airflow and avoid overhead watering. Spider mites, aphids, thrips and whiteflies may infest the leaves and stems. Treat with horticultural soaps or oils. Snails and slugs can be picked off by hand.
With simple care, trailing African daisies offer carefree beauty through the seasons. Their versatility and performance make them garden favorites around the world.
Popular Trailing African Daisy Varieties
There are several cultivars of osteospermum fruticosum to choose from:
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‘Purple Mountain’ – Deep royal purple 3 inch flowers with yellow centers. More compact at 12 inches tall.
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‘Pink Whirls’ – Prolific light pink blooms with darker centers. One of the most vigorous.
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‘Tsuku Japanese White’ – Abundant pure white daisy flowers with yellow eyes. Trails 24 inches.
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‘Yellow Delight’ – Cheerful soft yellow blooms all season. Great spiller for containers.
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‘Margarita Purple’ – Vibrant violet-purple and white bicolor blooms. Tidy compact habit.
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‘Sunday White’ – Floriferous white flowers with yellow centers. Good heat tolerance.
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‘Blue Mountain’ – Unique silver-blue flowers with bright yellow centers. Stunning color.
With the right selection, trailing African daisies are sure to become star players in any sunny garden space. Give them room to spread out and they will reward you with carefree beauty.
How to Get African Daisies to Bloom
African daisies generally bloom easily on their own, but several conditions can cause reduced blooming. Here’s how to get your African daisies to bloom:
- Deadhead spent flowers to prompt additional blooming.
- Fertilize every two to three weeks. Potted plants require more fertilizer.
- Shade African daisies from extreme heat and add extra water during dry periods.
- Move them to a sunnier location if the plants are leggy and not blooming fully.
Planting and Soil
African daisies prefer organically rich soil with sharp drainage and a slightly acidic soil pH. Add compost or other organic matter to the soil at the time of planting to improve drainage and add nutrients.
Plant them at least 12 inches apart to give them room to spread, as some varieties can stretch out to about 12 inches wide. African daisies can be planted in the springtime, after the last frost.
Osteospermum fruticosum – Freeway Daisy
FAQ
Do Osteospermum come back every year?
African Daisies (Osteospermum) can be grown as perennials or annuals, depending on the climate. In USDA hardiness zones 10-11, they can be grown as perennials, where they will come back every year. In colder climates (zones 9 and below), they are typically grown as annuals and need to be replanted each year.
Do African Daisies like full sun or shade?
African daisies bloom best in full sun. They can tolerate partial shade, but this will likely cause them to produce fewer flowers. Moreover, the blooms generally open in response to light and close at night and during overcast weather.
How do you take care of trailing African Daisies?
The plant takes any soil but prefers those that are well-draining. It is frost-tolerant to twenty degrees Fahrenheit and tolerates salty coastal situations. Apply a light application of ammonium phosphate fertilizer in early spring to help promote blooms.
Do Osteospermum plants like sun or shade?
Sunlight: Plant Osteospermum in a location that receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day. They thrive in full sun but can tolerate light shade. However, too much shade may reduce flowering. Soil: African Daisies prefer well-draining soil.