African Daisy Osteospermum 'Cannington Roy'
ABOUT
The Osteospermum 'Cannington Roy', commonly known as the African Daisy, showcases a mesmerizing display with its distinctive daisy-like flowers. The blooms exhibit a color palette that usually revolves around cool hues, featuring purplish-blue petals with deep blue centers that may appear almost black, particularly under the right light conditions. The petals are long and slender, often slightly spoon-shaped, radiating from the central eye with a gentle gradient that highlights their color transition. The leaves of the African Daisy are typically lush and green, adding a vibrant backdrop to the vividly colored flowers. They are usually narrow with an oblong shape, presenting a slightly glossy surface that can have a subtle, textured look. Overall, the African Daisy is beloved for its cheerful flowers that give it a striking appearance in a garden setting or when used as a bright and bold decorative plant.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
African Daisy, South African Daisy, Cape Daisy
Common names
Osteospermum 'Cannington Roy'.
ToxicityTo humans
The Osteospermum, also known as African Daisy, is generally considered non-toxic to humans. There are no widespread reports of serious toxicity upon ingesting this plant. However, as with any non-food plant, individual sensitivities can vary, so it is advisable to avoid ingestion and supervise children who may be tempted to eat the plant.
To pets
The African Daisy is not known to be toxic to pets. It is generally considered safe around animals, and there are no significant reports of pet poisoning from this plant. However, it is always a good practice to prevent pets from ingesting plants as they could potentially cause gastrointestinal upset or an allergic reaction in sensitive individuals.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Mixed
Height
1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 meters)
Spread
1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
9
Native area
South Africa
Benefits
General Benefits- Visual Appeal: Osteospermum, commonly known as African Daisy, boasts stunning daisy-like flowers adding aesthetic beauty to gardens and landscapes.
- Drought Tolerance: African Daisy is relatively resistant to dry conditions, making it suitable for water-wise gardens.
- Low Maintenance: It doesn’t require frequent care; occasional pruning and watering suffice, thus saving time and effort.
- Pest Resistance: Osteospermum is known to have a good resistance to common pests, reducing the need for chemical treatments.
- Attracts Pollinators: The bright flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, which are essential for a healthy ecosystem.
- Versatility: The African Daisy can be used in containers, flower beds, and borders, offering flexibility in landscaping design.
- Long Blooming Season: It has a long flowering period from spring to fall, providing continuous color throughout the seasons.
- Frost Hardy: Osteospermum 'Cannington Roy' can withstand light frosts, which makes it suitable for a variety of climates.
- Excellent Ground Cover: African Daisy can serve as an effective ground cover, reducing weed growth and soil erosion.
- Color Variety: Available in a variety of colors, it allows for personalized design and color themes in the garden.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Photography and Art Subjects: African daisy's vibrant coloration and unique flower structure make it an excellent subject for photographers and artists looking to capture the beauty of nature.
- Edible Decoration: Although not commonly consumed, the petals of African daisies can be used as a colorful, edible garnish for salads and desserts for a touch of elegance.
- Education and Research: Botany students and researchers may use African daisies to study plant growth, flower development, and the effects of environmental changes on plant health.
- Children's Gardening Projects: Due to its easy care and fast growth, the African daisy can be a great plant for children's gardening activities, teaching them about plant life cycles.
- Natural Fabric Dyes: The flowers of African daisies can be used to create natural dyes for fabrics, yielding a range of delicate colors.
- Thematic Landscaping: African daisies can be incorporated into African-themed garden landscapes to provide authenticity and vibrant color.
- Floral Crafts: Dried African daisy flowers can be used in creating potpourri, floral arrangements, and other craft items.
- Companion Planting: African daisies can be planted alongside vegetable crops to attract beneficial insects that help with pollination or pest control.
- Plant Propagation Education: They can be used by horticulture educators to demonstrate plant propagation techniques such as cuttings or seed collection to students.
- Event Decor: Fresh or dried African daisies can be used in decorative displays for events such as weddings, conferences, and garden parties.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Cape Daisy is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Cape Daisy is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Innocence: Osteospermums, commonly known as African daisies, often symbolize purity and innocence due to their bright, cheerful flowers that resemble daisies, which are commonly associated with these qualities.
- Beauty: The vibrant colors and unique patterns of African daisies represent a unique beauty, celebrating natural diversity and the joy found in the aesthetic pleasures of the natural world.
- Optimism: With its tendency to close at night and reopen with the morning sunlight, the African daisy symbolizes new beginnings and the optimism that comes with each new day.
- Peace: Like many daisy-like flowers, African daisies often carry meanings of peace and tranquility, embodying the serene beauty of a calm and quiet garden.
WaterAfrican daisy plants, including the Osteospermum 'Cannington Roy', should be watered regularly but allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings to prevent overwatering. As a general rule, watering once a week with approximately 1 gallon of water per plant should suffice. However, in hotter, drier climates, you might need to water more frequently, such as twice a week, to maintain consistent soil moisture. It's crucial to water the plant deeply to encourage root growth, but avoid letting the plant sit in waterlogged soil as this can lead to root rot.
LightAfrican daisies thrive best in full sunlight. They should be placed in a location where they can receive at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. If you are planting them outdoors, choose a spot in your garden that has unobstructed exposure to sunlight for the majority of the day. Insufficient sunlight can lead to leggy growth and fewer flowers.
TemperatureThe African daisy prefers warm temperatures and will flourish in conditions ranging between 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It can survive minimum temperatures down to about 30 degrees Fahrenheit. Protection from frost is important as cold temperatures can damage or kill the plant. Ideal temperature conditions for the African daisy include warm days and cooler nights to promote healthy growth and flowering.
PruningPrune African daisies to encourage bushier growth and more prolific blooms. Deadheading, or removing faded flowers, should be done regularly to promote continuous blooming throughout the season. Pruning can be done as needed, typically every few weeks during the blooming period. The best time for more extensive pruning is in early spring or after the main flowering flush to revitalize the plant and shape it.
CleaningAs needed
SoilAfrican Daisy prefers well-draining soil with compost and sand mixed in to promote aeration. Aim for a soil pH between 6.0 and 7.5 for optimal growth.
RepottingAfrican Daisy should be repotted every 2 to 3 years or when it outgrows its current pot, which will ensure healthy root systems and overall plant vigor.
Humidity & MistingAfrican Daisy thrives in moderate humidity conditions but is quite adaptable and can tolerate the drier air typical of most home environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright light, well-draining soil, and moderate watering for indoor African Daisy.
Outdoor
Place in full sun, use well-draining soil, and water moderately for outdoor African Daisy.
Hardiness zone
9-11 USDA
Life cycleThe Osteospermum 'Cannington Roy', commonly known as African Daisy, begins its life cycle when a seed is planted in well-draining soil during warmer seasons. It quickly germinates, typically within 7-14 days, whereupon the seedling emerges, manifesting cotyledons (seed leaves) and the first set of true leaves. As it enters the vegetative stage, the plant undergoes rapid growth of foliage and stems in preparation for flowering. Flowering occurs as daylight hours lengthen, producing distinctive daisy-like flowers that range in color, attracting pollinators. After pollination, the flowers will produce seeds, completing the reproductive cycle. With proper care, African Daisy may enter a stage of dormancy during colder months, to then rejuvenate and begin the cycle anew with the return of warm weather.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Osteospermum 'Cannington Roy', commonly known as African Daisy, can be most effectively propagated using stem cuttings. The ideal time to take cuttings is during the late spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. To propagate, select a healthy stem of about 4 to 6 inches (approximately 10 to 15 centimeters) in length and cut it just below a leaf node. Remove the lower leaves to expose a clean stem, which can be dipped in rooting hormone powder to encourage root development. The cutting should then be placed in a well-draining potting mix, ensuring that at least one or two leaf nodes are buried in the soil, as this is where new roots will emerge. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, and place the pot in a warm environment with indirect sunlight. Roots usually form within a few weeks, after which the new plants can be transferred to individual pots to continue growing.
