Family: Asteraceae

Mainly from South Africa, this genus comprises 70 species of annuals, perennials and sub-shrubs. Growing no more than 1 m (3 ft) high, with attractive, daisy-like flowers that open only in sunlight, they are often used as summer bedding and patio-container plants, or, in frost-free climates, as groundcover.

Species

O. amplectans grows to 1 m (3 ft), with smallish leaves and attractive, yellow flowers with yellow and purple centers.

O. ecklonis, the most popular species, looks at its best mass planted in the wild garden or as a specimen in the rock garden. This perennial, shrub-like species grows to 1 m 13 ft) and produces white flowers, pale blue on the reverse, with a dark blue centre.

O. fruticosum is a shrubby peren­nial, to 60 cm (24 in), with narrow leaves and white and purple flowers.

O. jucundum, a perennial, trailing species, grows to only 40 cm (16 in) high, with shiny, dark green foliage and a profusion of cerise flowers in spring. There are now many cultivars and hybrids available and these are probably more popular with home gardeners than the species.

Cultivation

Osteospermums need warm, dry conditions and full sun for the flowers to look their best. They are easily propagated from cuttings. Established plants are very drought-tolerant.

Climate

Zone 9, but used as summer annuals in all climatic zones.