Osteospermum, commonly known as the African Daisy, is a sun-loving, drought-tolerant annual or tender perennial prized for its vibrant, daisy-like flowers that often close at night. When selecting companion plants, the goal is to choose species that share similar cultural needs while creating a harmonious visual and ecological display. The ideal partners will thrive in full sun, well-draining soil, and moderate to low water conditions once established.
Ornamental grasses provide an excellent textural contrast to the dense, mounding form and bold flowers of Osteospermum. Their wispy, vertical habit adds movement and airiness to the planting scheme. The key is selecting drought-tolerant species that won't overwhelm the Osteospermum. Blue Fescue (Festuca glauca) offers a stunning silvery-blue, spiky mound that complements any Osteospermum color. Fountain grasses, like Pennisetum alopecuroides 'Hameln', provide soft, bottlebrush flowers that sway in the breeze, creating a dynamic backdrop without competing for excessive nutrients or water.
Many Mediterranean herbs are perfect companions, sharing Osteospermum's requirement for full sun and excellent drainage. These plants add aromatic foliage, which can help deter pests, and often feature flowers that attract beneficial pollinators. Lavender (Lavandula spp.) is a classic pairing, with its gray-green foliage and purple flower spikes echoing the color palette of many Osteospermum varieties. Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus) provides an evergreen structural element with its upright form and needle-like leaves. The subtle blooms of both herbs attract bees and other pollinators, which will also visit the Osteospermum, enhancing the garden's biodiversity.
Pairing Osteospermum with other sun-loving bloomers can create a long-lasting tapestry of color. Select plants with overlapping bloom times and complementary forms. Verbena (Verbena bonariensis or Verbena rigida) offers tall, airy stems topped with clusters of small purple flowers, creating a see-through effect that allows the Osteospermum to shine beneath. For a lower-growing carpet of color, Angelonia (Summer Snapdragon) provides flower spikes in shades of purple, pink, and white that thrive in the heat. California Poppy (Eschscholzia californica) introduces a different flower form and a brilliant orange hue that contrasts beautifully with purple and white African Daisies.
Incorporating plants with interesting foliage ensures the bed remains attractive even when blooms are sparse. Silver or gray-leaved plants are particularly effective as they reflect light and highlight Osteospermum's flowers. Dusty Miller (Jacobaea maritima) provides deeply lobed, felt-like silver leaves that make flower colors pop. For a groundcover that suppresses weeds and ties the planting together, Silver Mound Artemisia (Artemisia schmidtiana) forms a soft, feathery mat of silvery foliage. These plants are exceptionally drought-tolerant and their foliage helps to conserve soil moisture, benefiting the entire planting community.
