We, the Osteospermum, are sun worshippers by nature. To truly thrive and reward you with a spectacular display, we require a location that receives full sun for at least six to eight hours daily. Our blossoms are heliotropic, meaning they follow the sun's path across the sky, opening wide to bask in its glory and often closing at night or on very cloudy days. Well-drained soil is not just a preference; it is our most critical demand. Our roots are highly susceptible to rot if left sitting in waterlogged soil. A sandy or gravelly loam that allows water to drain away quickly is our idea of a perfect home. While we are tolerant of poor soils, a modest amount of compost at planting time gives us a happy start.
Once our root systems are established in the garden, which typically takes one full growing season, we proudly display our drought-tolerant nature. We have evolved to store water and withstand dry periods. For the beginner gardener, this means a consistent but moderate watering schedule is key. Water us deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry, encouraging our roots to grow deeper and stronger. Then, allow the soil to dry out somewhat before the next watering. It is far better to underwater us than to overwater us. Soggy feet are a sure way to make us languish and succumb to root diseases.
Our primary goal is to produce a massive number of daisy-like flowers to attract pollinators. To keep this show running from spring straight through to the first frost, a little maintenance from you goes a long way. We do not require extensive pruning, but we greatly appreciate a practice called deadheading. This simply means snipping off the spent flower heads once they begin to fade. This signals to us that our job is not yet done and encourages us to direct our energy into producing new blooms instead of setting seed. A quick periodic shearing if we start to look leggy will also promote a denser, bushier form and another flush of vibrant color.
We are remarkably resilient plants with few serious pest or disease problems. Our greatest threat, as mentioned, is root rot from overwatering or poor drainage. We are largely avoided by deer and rabbits, making us an excellent choice for gardens visited by wildlife. As for food, we are not heavy feeders. A single application of a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the beginning of the growing season is typically all we need to support our months of flowering. Too much fertilizer, especially nitrogen, will promote excessive leafy growth at the expense of our beautiful blossoms.
