African Daisy Osteospermum 'In the Pink'
ABOUT
Osteospermum 'In the Pink', commonly known as African Daisy, is a striking flowering plant that exhibits a lush and vibrant display. The plant boasts a dense and bushy habit, lush with plentiful green leaves that serve as a backdrop to its decorative blooms. The leaves themselves are typically lance-shaped, with smooth edges and a soft, deep green color that complements the flowers wonderfully. The flowers are the most eye-catching feature of the African Daisy 'In the Pink'. They have a daisy-like structure, with an array of petals radiating outward from a central disc. The petals exhibit a gradient of color, most often presenting in shades of pink. These shades can range from a soft, pastel pink to a more vivid and striking magenta. Each petal is smooth and satiny, with a rounded tip that sometimes curves slightly outward, giving the bloom its characteristically cheerful appearance. The central disc of the flowers is usually a contrasting hue, often appearing in a deeper purple or blue, adding depth to the flower's look. This centerpiece might also have an intricate pattern, with subtle striations that draw the eye and accentuate the rich color. The disc is where pollinators such as bees and butterflies are frequently attracted, highlighting the plant's role in the ecosystem as both a visually appealing garden addition and a supporter of local wildlife. Overall, the Osteospermum 'In the Pink', with its lush foliage and radiant blooms, captures attention in any setting, bringing a splash of color and a hint of wild beauty to cultivated gardens and containers. Its flowers are typically profuse and long-lasting, providing a spectacle of color throughout the bloom season and making it a favorite among garden enthusiasts for adding a pop of color to their landscape.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
African Daisy, South African Daisy, Cape Daisy, Blue-Eyed Daisy
Common names
Osteospermum 'In the Pink'.
ToxicityTo humans
The Osteospermum, commonly known as African Daisy, is generally not considered toxic to humans. There is no significant evidence suggesting that ingesting parts of this plant would result in poisoning or adverse health effects. Consequently, there are no commonly recognized symptoms of poisoning from the African Daisy to describe.
To pets
The African Daisy is not typically known to be toxic to pets. There should be no major concerns if a pet ingests parts of this plant. There are no widely acknowledged symptoms of poisoning as this plant is not known to cause any particular toxic reaction in domestic animals. However, as with any non-food plant, ingestion by pets should still be monitored, and it's always prudent to consult with a veterinarian if any unusual symptoms arise after ingestion.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
9-11
Native area
South Africa
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Osteospermum 'In the Pink', also known as African Daisy, offers vibrant pink daisy-like flowers that can add color and beauty to any garden or container.
- Extended Blooming Season: African Daisies typically have a long flowering period that spans from spring to fall, providing continuous visual interest.
- Drought Resistance: Once established, these plants are quite drought-tolerant, making them suitable for water-wise gardens and reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Attracts Pollinators: African Daisies can attract beneficial insects such as bees and butterflies to the garden, which are important for pollination.
- Low Maintenance: They are generally low-maintenance plants that do not require a lot of care once they are well established in the right conditions.
- Versatility: Suitable for flower beds, borders, rock gardens, and containers, they offer a range of landscaping uses.
- Cold Tolerance: They can tolerate mild frosts, making them suitable for gardens in cooler climates where other plants might not survive.
- Fast Growth: African Daisies tend to grow quickly, filling in garden spaces and creating an impact without a long wait.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Osteospermum, also known as African Daisy, can be used as a natural pest repellent in gardens due to its aromatic foliage that some garden pests find unappealing.
- African Daisy flowers can be pressed and used in botanical art or to create natural designs in handmade paper for a unique aesthetic.
- The blossoms of the African Daisy can be used to add a pop of color to salads or desserts when used as an edible garnish, though they are not commonly consumed.
- African Daisy can be planted in outdoor pet areas, as they are non-toxic to dogs and cats, adding beauty without posing a risk to pets.
- African Daisy can be utilized as a natural dye plant; the petals, when boiled, can impart varying shades of color to fabrics or yarns.
- The long-lasting blooms of African Daisy make them suitable for use in dried flower arrangements, maintaining their shape and color well when dehydrated.
- Landscape designers might use African Daisy as a living mulch to suppress weeds while providing a vibrant ground cover.
- African Daisy, with its bright and colorful flowers, can be used to create a natural habitat for attracting and supporting pollinators like bees and butterflies.
- The blooming period of African Daisy can be a signal for gardeners to know the ideal time for planting temperature-sensitive plants, as their flowering often indicates the onset of warm weather.
- African Daisies can be used in sensory gardens, where their variety of colors and textures can provide a visually stimulating environment, especially for young children and educational projects.
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- Charm and Innocence: Osteospermum, commonly known as African Daisy, often symbolizes charm due to its bright and cheerful blooms that resemble a daisy's simplicity and innocence.
- Optimism and Hope: The vibrant hues of the African Daisy can represent a sense of optimism and hope, suggesting the ability to remain positive and find the light in any situation.
- Adventure and Exploration: As a plant hailing from Africa, it can evoke feelings of adventure and the spirit of exploration, celebrating the beauty of discovering new places and experiences.
- Enduring Love: The African Daisy's lengthy blooming season may be seen as a metaphor for enduring love, suggesting a long-lasting and resilient bond in a relationship.
- Beauty in Simplicity: Much like the simple daisy, the African Daisy emphasizes the idea that there is beauty in simplicity and a peaceful, uncomplicated approach to life.
WaterAfrican Daisies require consistent moisture, so water them deeply once a week with approximately one gallon of water for an outdoor plant, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. For container-grown plants, water them when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, which can often mean twice a week, especially in hot, dry weather. Be careful not to over-water, as this can lead to root rot. In cooler weather or during periods of rain, you may need to water less frequently. Adjust watering based on the plant's appearance and weather conditions.
LightAfrican Daisies thrive best in full sun, receiving at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day. The ideal spot would be a south-facing garden bed or a bright sunny balcony for container plants. However, in extremely hot climates, they can benefit from light afternoon shade to prevent scorching.
TemperatureAfrican Daisies prefer moderate temperatures and can generally survive in temperatures ranging from about 30 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit, with an ideal range of 60-75 degrees Fahrenheit. They are not frost-hardy and should be protected or moved indoors if temperatures threaten to drop below 30 degrees Fahrenheit.
PruningPrune African Daisies to encourage bushier growth and more blooms; deadhead regularly to remove faded flowers. Cut back the plants by about one-third in the early spring or fall to promote new growth. Pruning is typically done once a season or as needed to keep the plant tidy.
CleaningAs needed
SoilAfrican daisies thrive in well-draining soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH of 6.0 to 6.5. A mix of loam, peat, and sharp sand or perlite works well to maintain proper drainage and aeration.
RepottingAfrican daisies should be repotted every 2 to 3 years to refresh the soil and accommodate root growth, preferably during spring or early summer.
Humidity & MistingAfrican daisies prefer moderate to low humidity levels and are tolerant of dry air conditions typical of outdoor environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in sunny spot, water when topsoil is dry.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, protect from extreme cold.
Hardiness zone
9-11 USDA
Life cycleThe Osteospermum 'In the Pink', commonly known as African Daisy, begins its life cycle as a seed, which, when sown in well-draining soil and given the appropriate conditions, will germinate and sprout. The seedling stage follows, characterized by the emergence of the first true leaves, which leads to the vegetative growth stage where the plant grows swiftly, developing a lush foliage structure. Following vegetative growth, the African Daisy enters the budding stage where flower buds appear, signaling the onset of the reproductive phase. The flowering stage comes next, showcasing the plant's vibrant pink flowers that attract pollinators. After pollination, the flowers produce seeds, completing the sexual reproduction cycle. The plant may then go through a period of dormancy, especially in regions with colder climates, or it might continue its growth if the conditions remain favorable.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: Osteospermum 'In the Pink', commonly known as African Daisy, is often propagated through cuttings. The best time to take cuttings is during the late spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. To propagate by cuttings, a gardener should select healthy non-flowering shoots and cut a 3 to 4 inch (approximately 7.6 to 10.2 cm) section. It's important to make the cut just below a leaf node. The lower leaves should be stripped off, and the cut end can be dipped into a rooting hormone to encourage root growth. The cutting should then be planted in a well-draining soil mixture and kept moist but not waterlogged. Providing a warm environment and covering the cutting with a clear plastic dome or bag can create a humid atmosphere that helps to speed up the rooting process.
