Greetings, fellow sun-seeker. We are the Osteospermum, a genus of flowering plants often known as the African Daisy. Hailing from the sun-drenched landscapes of Southern Africa, we have adapted to thrive in conditions that others might find challenging. Our collective goal is simple: to bask in full sunlight and produce an abundance of vibrant, daisy-like flowers that close at night and on overcast days. When considering which of our varieties is right for your garden, you must understand our key differences in form, function, and climatic preference.
We are the foundational group, the classic Osteospermum from which many cultivars descend. Our growth habit is as a woody-based, upright perennial, often forming a dense, bushy shrub. We typically reach heights of 1 to 3 feet, making us excellent candidates for the middle of borders or as container specimens. Our leaves are slender, slightly fleshy, and deep green. Our most defining feature is our large, iconic flowers with a central disk and radiating petals. We prefer well-draining soil and are moderately drought-tolerant once established. We are right for you if you seek a traditional, sturdy plant for a sunny bed that will provide a long season of reliable color.
Our growth strategy is different. We are the prostrate spreaders, sending out long, trailing stems that root as they go, creating a lush carpet of greenery and flowers. We rarely grow more than a foot tall but can spread several feet wide. Our leaves are often more succulent and spoon-shaped. This habit makes us perfectly suited for cascading over walls, spilling from hanging baskets, or covering sunny, difficult slopes where erosion control is needed. We require the same excellent drainage as our upright cousins but are even more tolerant of poor, sandy soils. Choose us if your need is for a plant that will fill space beautifully and suppress weeds with a blanket of vibrant blooms.
This group represents the work of human horticulturists, who have selected us for unique and extraordinary traits. Among us, you will find varieties with remarkable features. Some, like the 'Serenity' series, have been bred for exceptional heat tolerance and will flower profusely even during the hottest summers without a pause. Others, like the '3D' series, feature double or triple layers of petals, creating a unique, ruffled appearance that resembles a miniature chrysanthemum more than a classic daisy. Furthermore, there are cultivars with spoon-shaped petals that curl elegantly, or with striking two-tone coloration on each petal. We are right for you, the discerning gardener, if you desire a show-stopping display, a specific color palette, or need a plant guaranteed to perform in intense heat.
It is crucial to understand our perspective on climate. In our native homeland and in USDA hardiness zones 9-11, we are evergreen perennials. We will grow and bloom for many years, going semi-dormant in the cool winter before bursting back with vigor in spring. However, in colder zones where temperatures dip consistently below freezing, we cannot survive the winter. In these regions, we are treated as spectacular annuals, providing non-stop color from spring until the first hard frost. Our prolific flowering nature means we will give a glorious single season of growth, after which we expire. Therefore, your local climate is the final determinant in whether you welcome a long-term perennial resident or a brilliant seasonal guest.
