Osteospermum

( os - tee - oh - SPUR - mum )

At-A-Glance Information

Known commonly as African Daisy or Daisybush, this genus of perennial flowering plants needs full sun and moderate to regular water. They are woody-based and have a mounding, trailing habit, blooming more profusely in cooler weather. Natives to South Africa, these flowers only open in sunlight, otherwise staying closed. These plants are great when massed along pathways or driveways, in borders, rock gardens, or containers.

Osteospermum Species and Varietals

The genus Osteospermum includes 74 species and is a member of the plant family Asteraceae. The best growing zones for African Daisy are 8, 9, and 12-24 though this varies somewhat depending on the species grown. For more information, see the descriptions below. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.

Osteospermum clandulaceum (Stinking Roger)
These flowering plants are native to South Africa, and is considered a weed in some areas of the globe (namely, Australia). 
Osteospermum eckionis
This species reaches 2-5 feet tall and 2-4 feet wide, with white flowers centered in dark blue. Undersides of petals are lavender. Blooms appear in springtime. Two choice varieties are outlined below.
'Lavender Mist'
This species grows best in zones 2b-24 and reaches a foot tall and 15 inches wide. Flowers are white when new and age to a soft purple as they mature. Blooms pop from midspring through fall.
'Passion Mix'
This compact variety reaches 1-1.5 feet tall and as wide, with flowers in pink, rose, purple, or white, all with blue centers. It blooms year-round, but flowers most heavily in spring and fall. Blossoms will stay open in low light for longer than other varieties of African Daisy.

Osteospermum fruticosum (Trailing African Daisy, Freeway Daisy)
This species grows best in zones 8, 9, 12-24, H1 and H2. It reaches 6-12 inches tall and spreads quickly via rooting stems. Flowers are a deep lilac and fade to white, with a dark purple center. It will bloom year-round but most profusely in fall and winter. It does great near the ocean, and can be used as a groundcover. This species also is great at the top of walls, where its trailing stems can spill over.
Osteospermum hybrids
This group of flowering plants come in many colors and flower shapes. Choice garden selections are outlined below.
Symphony Series
This group reaches 8-12 inches tall and have a mounding habit, and take both heat and cold in stride. Flowers have dark blue centers.
Sunny Series
This group is a compact bunch that reaches 12 inches tall and have a wide variety of colors and flower shapes.
'Nairobi Purple' ('African Queen')
This plant reaches 18-20 inches tall and has purple flowers. 
'Burgundy'
This plant reaches 18-20 inches tall and has purple flowers.
'Brightside'
White flowers have a blue eye.
'Highside'
This bicolored blooming plant has white and pink flowers.
'Riverside'
This variety has yellow flowers.
'Wildside'
With dark purple blossoms.

Osteospermum jucundum (Osteospermum barberae)
This species grows to 4-20 inches tall and spreads to reach 2-3 feet across. Flowers range from mauve to magenta, but all have purple centers. Undersides of petals are a bronze-pink color. It blooms heavily in spring and fall, but can bloom almost year round. Osteospermum jucundum compactum 'Purple Mountain' is a dwarf cultivar, reaching just 10 inches tall.

Osteospermum moniliferum (Chrysanthemoides monilifera) (Boneseed, Bitou Bush, Bietou, Tick Berry, Bosluisbessie, Beskusbietou)
These plants are native to South Africa, and have become a weed and invasive species in Australia and New Zealand. The species forms a spreading shrub or small tree to just under 10 feet tall. Flowers are yellow and daisy-like, blooming in clusters at branch tips. 

Caring for osteospermum

Propagation

Problems and Pests

Gallery

Camellias are great candidates to be grown as container plants on your patio.
A field of thea sinensis
Camellia hiemalis 'Shishi Gashira'

Videos

A video all about growing camellias successfully
Propagating camellias

Resources

Wikipedia: Osteospermum
The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Page 467, Osteospermum
If you have any questions, comments, concerns, or photos you’d like to add to the gallery, please let me know by sending me a message using the button below!
​