African daisy 'Flame' Arctotis × hybrida hort. 'Flame'
ABOUT
'Flame' is a tender perennial with lobed grey-green leaves and long-stemmed bright orange-red flowers to 8cm across
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
African Daisy, Blue-eyed Daisy, Cape Daisy, Flame African Daisy
Common names
Arctotis × hybrida hort. 'Flame'
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Orange
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- Ornamental Value: Arctotis 'Flame', also known as African daisy, has bright orange-red flowers that add a splash of color to gardens and landscapes.
- Drought Tolerance: African daisies are well adapted to dry conditions, making them suitable for water-wise gardens and areas prone to drought.
- Low Maintenance: The plant generally requires minimal care, hence ideal for gardeners seeking low-maintenance landscaping options.
- Attracts Pollinators: Their vibrant flowers are known to attract butterflies and bees, which can help pollinate other plants in the garden.
- Fast Growing: African daisies have a rapid growth habit, allowing for quick coverage and filling in of garden spaces.
- Heat Resistance: Arctotis 'Flame' can tolerate high temperatures, making it a good choice for hot, sunny locations.
- Versatile Landscaping Use: The plant can be used in various landscaping applications, including borders, rock gardens, and as ground cover.
- Long Blooming Season: African daisies have a lengthy blooming period, often from spring to fall, providing long-lasting garden interest.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Photography: African daisy 'Flame' can be used as a subject in macro photography due to its detailed and vibrant flowers, appealing to photographers who specialize in plant and nature photography.
- Art Inspiration: The striking appearance of the African daisy 'Flame' with its vivid colors can inspire artists and be used as a reference for paintings, drawings, and textile designs.
- Crafts: Dried flowers of the African daisy 'Flame' can be preserved and incorporated into various crafts such as making bookmarks, floral arrangements, or pressed flower art.
- Educational Tool: Educators can use African daisy 'Flame' in botany classes to teach about hybrid plant varieties and pollination strategies used in horticulture to create vibrant, new plant forms.
- Garden Photography Backdrop: The African daisy 'Flame' can serve as a colorful backdrop for portraits and garden photography, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the photographs.
- Insect Habitat: Planting African daisy 'Flame' in gardens can provide a habitat and nectar source for pollinators like bees and butterflies, thereby supporting local biodiversity.
- Living Mulch: Dense plantings of African daisy 'Flame' can help reduce weed growth and soil erosion in gardens, effectively acting as a living mulch.
- Symbolism: In some cultures, the African daisy 'Flame' could be used symbolically in ceremonies or events to represent themes of warmth, energy, and passion due to its fiery colors.
- Seasonal Decor: Fresh or dried African daisy 'Flame' flowers can be used in seasonal wreaths or arrangements, adding a pop of color to autumnal or summer decor.
- Floral Language Communication: Similar to the Victorian era's "language of flowers," the African daisy 'Flame' could be included in a bouquet to communicate a message of cheerfulness and positivity.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe African Daisy is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe African Daisy is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Passion and Energy: As 'Flame' suggests, the fiery coloration of Arctotis, commonly known as African Daisy, represents intense emotions and a vibrant spirit.
- Optimism and Cheerfulness: The lively shades of the African Daisy blooms convey a sense of positivity and happiness, often associated with the bright and uplifting nature of daisies.
- Resilience: African Daisies, being hardy and able to thrive in challenging conditions, symbolize the ability to endure and overcome adversity.
- Warmth and Affection: The warm hues of African Daisy 'Flame' speak of a heart full of affection and the warmth of human connection.
- New Beginnings: Daisies often symbolize fresh starts and new beginnings, making African Daisy 'Flame' a fitting symbol for starting on a new path or endeavor.
WaterThe African Daisy 'Flame' should be watered deeply but infrequently, making sure the soil is allowed to dry out between waterings. In general, watering once a week with approximately one gallon of water per plant should suffice, depending on the climate and soil conditions. During hotter, drier periods, you may need to water more frequently, whereas in cooler or rainy conditions, less watering is needed. Always check the top inch of soil for dryness before watering. Avoid overhead watering to prevent foliar diseases and instead, water at the base of the plant.
LightAfrican Daisy 'Flame' thrives best in full sun conditions, which means it should receive at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. The ideal location is in an area that has unfiltered, bright light throughout the day. Avoid shaded spots since insufficient light can lead to fewer blooms and poor plant growth.
TemperatureAfrican Daisy 'Flame' prefers warm conditions and will perform best when temperatures are between 50°F and 75°F. The plant can tolerate temperatures as low as 30°F, but frost can damage the foliage and flowers. The maximum temperature for optimal growth shouldn't exceed 90°F, as extreme heat may cause stress to the plant.
PruningPrune African Daisy 'Flame' to remove spent blooms and to encourage bushier growth and more flowers. Deadheading, which can be done throughout the blooming season, promotes continuous blooming. Cut back the plant by one-third in early spring to maintain shape and vigor, which is the best time for heavier pruning.
CleaningAs needed
SoilAfrican Daisy 'Flame' thrives in well-draining, sandy or loamy soil with added organic matter. The ideal soil pH for this plant is between 6.0 and 7.5. Regular potting mix with added perlite or coarse sand is suitable. Mulching helps retain moisture while ensuring good drainage.
RepottingAfrican Daisy 'Flame' should be repotted every 1-2 years, or when it becomes root-bound. Spring is the best time for repotting to allow the plant to establish before the growing season.
Humidity & MistingAfrican Daisy 'Flame' prefers low to moderate humidity levels. It is tolerant of dry air but should not be placed in overly humid environments, as this could foster fungal diseases.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright light and well-draining soil.
Outdoor
Full sun, well-draining soil, protect from harsh wind.
Hardiness zone
9-11 USDA
Life cycleThe Arctotis 'Flame', commonly known as African Daisy, begins its life as a seed typically sown in warm soil during spring. Upon germination, seedlings emerge and the plant enters the vegetative stage, rapidly growing leaves and stems. As it matures, Arctotis 'Flame' develops a sturdy stem and a dense, leafy structure, preparing for the flowering phase. During the flowering stage, the plant produces its vivid, flame-colored daisy-like flowers, attracting pollinators and facilitating the reproductive process. After pollination, seeds form and mature, ready to be dispersed for the next generation. As temperatures drop in late fall or winter, the African Daisy may die back, especially in colder climates, completing its life cycle, although it may behave as a perennial in milder regions.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
The most popular method of propagating Arctotis × hybrida hort. 'Flame', often known as the African Daisy, is through cuttings. To propagate through cuttings, one would typically take a stem cutting of about 3-4 inches (7.62-10.16 cm) in length from new growth that has not flowered yet. The lower leaves should be removed, and the cut end can be dipped in rooting hormone before planting into a well-draining potting mix. The cutting should be kept moist but not waterlogged and in indirect sunlight until roots have developed. This usually takes a few weeks, after which the new plant can be transplanted to its final location.
