African Daisy Osteospermum jucundum 'Langtrees'
ABOUT
Osteospermum jucundum 'Langtrees', commonly known as African Daisy, is a striking flowering plant that possesses a charming appearance. The plant is characterized by its daisy-like blossoms, which typically offer an eye-catching display of color and form. The flowers exhibit a splendid array of petals arranged in a traditional daisy pattern, radiating outward from a central disk. Often, the petals boast a unique color gradient, with hues that can range from deep purples to lighter shades as they extend towards the tip, sometimes accented with iridescent tones. The center of the African Daisy's blooms is usually a contrasting tone, often a rich blue or yellow, depending on the variety, that stands out against the petals' colors. Below the flower heads, the foliage forms an attractive backdrop. The leaves are typically dark green, with a lance-shaped or somewhat elongated form, and can have a slightly glossy or matte finish that contributes to the plant's ornamental value. Overall, African Daisy 'Langtrees' presents a harmonious blend of vivid blooms and lush foliage, making it a visually appealing addition to gardens and landscapes where it is appreciated for its decorative appeal and the vibrant life it adds without reference to its specific dimensions.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
African Daisy, South African Daisy, Cape Daisy
Common names
Dimorphotheca jucunda, Osteospermum barberae, Tripteris jucunda.
ToxicityTo humans
The African daisy (Osteospermum jucundum 'Langtrees') is not typically regarded as toxic to humans. There are no well-documented cases of poisoning from ingesting parts of this plant. However, it is generally recommended that no part of ornamental plants be ingested, as they are not intended for consumption, and individuals with sensitivities could experience mild gastrointestinal distress or an allergic reaction.
To pets
The African daisy (Osteospermum jucundum 'Langtrees') is also not known to be toxic to pets. There are no common reports of pets being poisoned from consuming this plant. Nonetheless, it is always best for pets to avoid eating ornamental plants, as individual animals may react differently, and consumption could potentially lead to mild stomach upset.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
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- Enhances garden aesthetics: Osteospermum, commonly known as African Daisy, displays vibrant daisy-like flowers that can add color and interest to gardens and landscapes.
- Attracts pollinators: African Daisy can attract bees and butterflies which are key pollinators for many plants, supporting biodiversity.
- Drought-tolerant: Once established, this plant is relatively drought-resistant, making it suitable for xeriscape gardens and reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Easy to grow: African Daisy is known for its ease of cultivation, making it a good choice for novice gardeners or those looking for low-maintenance landscaping options.
- Long blooming period: The plant tends to have a lengthy blooming season which can extend from spring to fall, offering extended visual interest.
- Versatile planting options: It can be used in various garden settings, such as borders, containers, and rock gardens, due to its adaptable nature.
- Provides ground cover: Its dense growth habit can help reduce soil erosion and suppress weeds in garden beds.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Osteospermum jucundum 'Langtrees', also known as African daisy, can be used in educational settings such as botany classes to illustrate plant structure and diversity due to its unique daisy-like flowers.
- In photography, the vibrant color and distinctive shape of African daisy make it a popular subject for practicing macro photography skills.
- Garden designers may utilize African daisy in xeriscaping, as it is drought-tolerant and adds color to low-water gardens.
- African daisies can be implemented in sensory gardens because their bright flowers and interesting textures engage the sense of sight and touch.
- These plants are also useful in ecological studies to observe the interaction of pollinators with different types of flowers since they attract bees and butterflies.
- In culinary settings, although not commonly consumed, the petals of African daisies could be used as a decorative edible garnish on plates, after ensuring they are free from pesticides.
- They can be used in art projects, such as pressing the flowers for inclusion in handmade paper or botanical prints.
- During crafting sessions for children, the flowers and leaves of African daisies can be incorporated into creating nature collages or learning about plant parts.
- The plant can also serve as a natural dye source for fabrics, providing varying shades of color depending on the mordant used.
- In floristry, African daisy stems can be utilized in fresh floral arrangements due to their longevity and bright blooms.
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- Perseverance: Osteospermum jucundum 'Langtrees', commonly referred to as African Daisy, often symbolizes endurance and the ability to withstand challenging conditions due to its hardy nature and ability to flourish in poor soils.
- Optimism: With its cheerful and sun-seeking flowers, the African Daisy represents positivity and the belief in good outcomes, much like the sunflower.
- Attraction: The bright and colorful flowers of the African Daisy can signify allure and the ability to draw people in with its stunning appearance.
- New Beginnings: As a plant that blooms afresh each day, the African Daisy may represent starting anew or embracing a fresh start.
- Adaptability: Symbolizing the capacity to adapt and thrive in varied environments, reflecting the adaptable nature of this resilient plant.
WaterAfrican daisy should be watered thoroughly whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Typically, this could be about once a week, but it will vary depending on climate and environment. When watering, it is essential to avoid wetting the foliage, so water at the base of the plant. During the active growing season in spring and summer, a rough estimate might be to provide about 1 gallon per week for an outdoor plant, but always check the soil moisture level before watering again. It's better to err on the side of under-watering, as African daisy is drought-tolerant and too much water can lead to root rot.
LightAfrican daisy thrives in a spot with full sun exposure receiving at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day. It is adaptable to partial shade, but its blooming might be reduced. To ensure vibrant flowers and healthy growth, position the plant where it will receive ample light, particularly in the morning, when the light is less intense. Avoid locations where the plant will be in the shadow of larger plants or structures during the peak sunlight hours.
TemperatureAfrican daisy prefers moderate temperatures and will grow best when daytime temperatures are between 60°F and 75°F. While these plants can handle a minimum temperature down to about 30°F, they are not frost-tolerant and should be protected or brought indoors if temperatures dip below freezing. The maximum temperature for African daisy growth should not exceed 90°F, as prolonged heat and humidity can stress the plant.
PruningPruning African daisy is essential to promote bushier growth and more blooms. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage continuous blooming throughout the season. In the spring, cut back the plant by about one-third to rejuvenate growth and improve air circulation. The best time to do heavier pruning is early spring or after the last frost has passed.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe African Daisy prefers a well-draining soil mix rich in organic matter with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. A mix of peat, perlite, and compost works well for optimal growth and drainage.
RepottingAfrican Daisies should be repotted biennially or when they outgrow their current container to allow for continued growth and to replenish nutrients in the soil.
Humidity & MistingAfrican Daisies thrive in average humidity conditions and do not require any special humidity adjustments when grown in typical home or garden environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and keep soil moderately moist for indoor growth.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun with well-draining soil and space adequately for air circulation.
Hardiness zone
9-11 USDA
Life cycleOsteospermum jucundum 'Langtrees', commonly known as the African Daisy, begins its life cycle when seeds germinate in late winter or early spring, given warm temperatures and adequate moisture. Seedlings emerge and establish a root system while foliage begins to develop. As spring progresses into summer, the plant enters its vegetative growth phase, rapidly producing leaves and stems. By mid to late spring, African Daisy reaches the flowering stage, producing daisy-like blooms that can be various shades depending on the cultivar, attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies. After pollination, the flowers develop into seed heads, completing the reproductive phase. In autumn, as temperatures drop, the plant may enter dormancy, particularly in regions with colder climates, to survive through the winter before the next growth cycle begins.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Osteospermum jucundum 'Langtrees', commonly known as African Daisy, is often propagated through semi-hardwood cuttings. This involves taking a 3 to 6 inch (approximately 7.5 to 15 cm) length of stem, cut just below a node. It is best to take these cuttings in the late summer when the plant has an abundance of healthy, non-flowering stems to choose from. The lower leaves are removed, and the base of the cutting is dipped in a rooting hormone powder or solution to encourage root growth. Afterward, the stem is planted in a well-draining soil mix, ensuring the bottom node where leaves were removed is buried. To maintain humidity around the cutting and improve the chances of rooting, a plastic bag can be placed over the plant or it can be put in a propagator. Roots typically develop within a few weeks, after which the new plant can be transplanted to a permanent location.
