With its vibrant cornet - shaped blooms and cascade wont , trailing African daisy ( Osteospermum fruticosum ) is a joyful , low - upkeep plant This South African native spreads its upbeat carpeting of flowers and leaf with minimal forethought record on to key out why this hardy groundcover belongs in gay garden everywhere .
Overview of Trailing African Daisy
Trailing African daisy is an herbaceous perennial groundcover in the Asteraceae family . cardinal trait include :
This cheerful spreader thrives in full sunshine and require short tutelage , It performs attractively spill from containers or cascade down banks and slopes
The History and Origins of Trailing African Daisy
Trailing African daisy originated in the rocky grasslands of South Africa and Arabia . It has been cultivate in Europe since the 1700s . former Dutch settlers brought osteospermums to England where breeders developed showy loanblend .
The name osteospermum signify “ bony seed ” referring to the operose , nut - corresponding achenes . The common name “ African daisy ” comes from the resemblance to daisies . give chase types likely arose naturally as groundcover mutations . They were introduced to the nursery trade in the sixties .
Trailing African Daisy Characteristics
drop behind African daisy mature rapidly in one season into a lush gym mat or shower of foliage studded with vivid peak . cardinal features include :
stem – Slender green stem take root where they contact grunge , spread the plant . Older stems get woody .
Leaves – Evergreen , spoonful - shaped , 1 - 3 inches long . Blue - green with slimly fuzzy grain .
Flowers – Daisy - like with a central disk of icteric disk floweret surrounded by ray floweret . 2 - 3 inch across-the-board .
efflorescence season – bound through fall in mild climates ; from saltation to summer where winters are cold .
Fragrance – thinly perfumed ; some form more fragrant .
Fruit – Small dry achenes form after flowers fade .
fertile flowering and dense spreading growth make this a top choice for vibrant groundcover areas .
Growing Conditions for Trailing African Daisy
Though aboriginal to South Africa , trailing African daisy adapt readily to other fond climates . cardinal growing guidelines :
Hardiness – Perennial in zone 9 - 11 ; farm as an annual elsewhere . Tolerates light frosts .
Sun exposure – Full sun is ideal , but easy afternoon shade stick out . Needs at least 5 hours of lineal sun .
Soil – Average garden soil . Prefers well - drained but can digest some clay . forfend overly rich soil .
pH – Slightly acidic to slightly alkaline acceptable ; 6.5 - 7.5 ideal .
tearing – Drought kind but grow good with temperate water , 1 - 2 inches per week .
Fertilizer – Apply balanced efflorescence plant food monthly during growing season .
Provide this daisy with sun , well - drained grease , restrained water , and occasional fertiliser for maximum flower power .
How to Grow Trailing African Daisy from Seed
Start indoors 8 - 10 weeks before last frost since seeds demand light and warmth to germinate .
Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep in source starting mix . wield 70 ° F soil temperature .
Water carefully to keep soil moist but not saturated .
slender seedling when 2 - 3 inch grandiloquent . organ transplant outside after harden off .
Space transplants 12 - 18 inches asunder in full Lord’s Day after danger of frost .
Fertilize monthly and trim any errant long stanch to encourage richness .
Watch for efflorescence bud 90 - 120 day after sowing seeded player . Deadhead to prolong rosiness .
grow from source , chase African daisy will flower its first year and uphold propagate thereafter .
Tips for Growing Trailing African Daisy in Containers
Select a container at least 10 - 12 inches wide and inscrutable . Trailing types need way to spread .
Use a quality potting mix that drains well but retains some wet .
set one baby’s room plant per 12 - inch basket / pot , or 3 - 4 per larger planter .
Situate container in full Dominicus . Rotate occasionally for even Lord’s Day pic .
Water when territory surface is dry 1 - 2 inches deep . Allow grime to dry out between lacrimation .
Apply soluble flower fertilizer monthly during the growing time of year .
Prune back straggly stems in late winter to encourage full , compact development .
With proper care , container - grown shack African daisy will reward you with abundant charm and color .
Tips for Growing as Groundcover or Border Plant
Space flora 12 - 18 in aside for fast establishment . They ’ll fill in speedily .
Dig a fix just larger than the ascendent ball . Do not amend soil , as robust soil causes floppy increment .
laid plants at the same level they were growing in the nursery tummy . Backfill around stem and water well .
enforce 2 - 3 inches of mulch like shredded bark to husband moisture and cylinder block weeds . Replenish as needed .
Shear back 1/3 of the plant in former winter to dispatch old woody growth and conformation .
Deadhead regularly during bloom time of year to encourage continuous flowering .
With right spatial arrangement and pruning , trail African daisy will reward you with a unworried carpet of graphic color .
Potential Pests and Problems
When gayly sited , trailing African daisy is relatively trouble - free . possible issues to catch for include :
Aphids or whitefly – Control with horticultural oil or insecticidal max spraying .
Powdery mildew – Improve air circulation . hold neem oil or sulfur junk preventatively .
Overwatering – Allow soil to dry between lacrimation and ensure good drain .
Harsh winters – Mulch for insulation in cold zones . Plants may die back and return from roots .
Leggy growth – clip sporadically to encourage comprehensiveness . Can indicate too much atomic number 7 .
instigate attention to likely problems will help keep your trail African daisy look its good .
With bright rosiness over delicate foliage , trailing African daisy infuses joy and color wherever it grows . This charming plant is one of the easiest means to fill spaces with vivacious flowers . Give it way to stray and trailing African daisy will reinforce you with a carefree carpet of around-the-clock people of color .
AFRICAN DAISY (Clumping) | Osteospermum | Multiple Colors Available
FAQ
Do African daisy add up back every year ?
Does Osteospermum like full sun or shadiness ?
Do African daisy like full sun or shade ?
How do you care for give chase African daisies ?
