African Daisy Arctotis × hybrida hort. 'Mahogany'
ABOUT
The Arctotis 'Mahogany' is known for its distinctive and vibrant floral display. Its daisy-like flowers have a deep, rich mahogany color, often with an orange center, that catches the eye and adds warmth to any garden setting. The petals are slightly elongated with a velvety texture, radiating outwards from the center, sometimes featuring a fine, lighter edge that contrasts with the darker tones. Foliage-wise, it has silvery-green leaves that are lobed, resembling to some extent the outline of an oak leaf, but without the tree's characteristic veins. These leaves tend to be thick and have a somewhat furry or downy texture, which not only adds interest to the visual aspect of the plant but also gives it a tactile appeal. The overall shape of the plant is typically a low-growing, spreading mound that creates a dense carpet of color when in bloom. The unique hue of the flowers of Arctotis 'Mahogany', paired with its decorative leaves, make it a standout choice for borders, rock gardens, or as a colorful ground cover to brighten up any outdoor space.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae.
Synonyms
African Daisy, Blue-eyed Daisy, Cape Marigold, Arctotis.
Common names
Arctotis × hybrida hort. 'Mahogany'
ToxicityTo humans
The plant commonly known as African Daisy (Arctotis × hybrida hort. 'Mahogany') is not typically known for being poisonous to humans. However, like with many plants, it is always best to exercise caution. If ingested, it may cause mild stomach upset or discomfort, but severe poisoning symptoms are rare. To avoid any potential issues, do not consume any part of the plant.
To pets
The African Daisy (Arctotis × hybrida hort. 'Mahogany') is also not widely recognized as a toxic plant to pets such as dogs and cats. While not considered severely poisonous, ingestion may sometimes result in mild gastrointestinal upset, such as vomiting or diarrhea in pets. If you suspect your pet has ingested a large amount of the plant and is showing signs of distress, it is advisable to contact a veterinarian. Preventing pets from ingesting plants is always a good precaution to avoid any possible negative effects.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Mahogany
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
9
Native area
South Africa
Benefits
General Benefits- Drought Tolerance: Arctotis, commonly known as African Daisy, is highly drought-resistant, making it an excellent choice for xeriscaping and low-water gardens.
- Easy Maintenance: African Daisy is known for being low maintenance, requiring minimal care once established, which is ideal for novice gardeners or those with a busy lifestyle.
- Long Blooming Period: It typically has a long flowering season, providing vibrant color in the garden from spring through fall.
- Pest Resistance: This plant tends to be resistant to many common garden pests, reducing the need for chemical pesticides.
- Attracts Pollinators: African Daisy flowers attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, which are essential for the health of the ecosystem and the pollination of many other plants.
- Landscape Versatility: It can be used in a variety of garden settings, including borders, rockeries, and containers, offering versatility in landscape design.
- Color Variety: Arctotis comes in a range of colors, allowing gardeners to choose shades that best fit their aesthetic preferences.
- Fast Growth: The plant grows relatively quickly, providing rapid coverage or filling in garden spaces efficiently.
- Soil Adaptability: African Daisy is adaptable to a variety of soil types, although well-draining soil is preferred.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- As a natural dye: The deep 'mahogany' color of the Arctotis flowers can be used to produce a natural dye for fabrics, offering an eco-friendly alternative to synthetic dyes.
- Art and craft material: Dried Arctotis flowers can be incorporated into potpourri or used in decorative crafts such as wreaths and flower arrangements.
- Photographic subject: With its rich colors and attractive form, African daisy can be used as a subject for photography, contributing to botanical art and nature photography collections.
- Educational tool: African daisy can be used in schools and educational programs to teach children about plant biology, hybridization, and horticulture.
- Theme gardens: African daisy can be used in thematic gardens such as 'hot' color-themed gardens due to its fiery mahogany and orange colors.
- Garden design: It can be used as a ground cover or edging plant in garden design due to its spreading habit and low-growing nature.
- Cultural events: In areas where African daisy is well-known, its flowers can be used in festivals or local events to symbolize the region’s flora.
- Flower pressing: African daisy petals can be used in the art of flower pressing, where they are preserved for use in bookmarks, greeting cards, or framed botanical art.
- Bioindicators: These plants can potentially be used as bioindicators to monitor the health of an ecosystem or the impact of environmental changes.
- Living mulch: The dense foliage of African daisy can be grown to serve as a living mulch, offering soil protection and moisture retention while suppressing weed growth.
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- Beauty and Uniqueness: The Arctotis, also known as African Daisy, is known for its captivating beauty and unique flower patterns, symbolizing the natural beauty and uniqueness that each individual possesses.
- Resilience: As a plant that originates in South Africa, the African Daisy is adapted to dry conditions, representing the ability to withstand and thrive in challenging environments.
- Cheerfulness and Positivity: With its bright and cheerful flowers, the African Daisy is often associated with positivity, lifting spirits and encouraging a sunny disposition.
- Warmth and Energy: The vibrant colors of the African Daisy flowers are reminiscent of the warm energy of the sun, symbolizing vitality and the energizing aspects of life.
- Adaptation: The African Daisy’s ability to prosper in a variety of settings stands for adaptability and the readiness to embrace change to flourish in different situations.
WaterAfrican Daisy 'Mahogany' requires moderate watering. It's important to allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings, which typically means watering once every week during the growing season and reducing to approximately once every two weeks when growth slows in cooler temperatures. The best method is to water deeply and directly around the base of the plant, avoiding wetting the foliage. For an outdoor garden, apply about 1 gallon of water per plant for each watering session. Always check the soil moisture level before watering to prevent overwatering, as African Daisies prefer not to sit in soggy soil.
LightAfrican Daisy 'Mahogany' thrives best in full sun conditions. It should be placed in a location where it can receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Avoid placing it in an area with too much shade, as this can lead to poor flowering and a leggy growth habit.
TemperatureThe African Daisy 'Mahogany' prefers temperatures in the range of 50 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. These plants can survive minimum temperatures down to about 30 degrees Fahrenheit but may suffer damage if exposed to frost. They perform optimally in warm and temperate conditions, and high heat above 90 degrees can stress the plant.
PruningPruning African Daisy 'Mahogany' is essential to promote a bushy growth habit and to encourage more blooms. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to extend the flowering season. Cut back the plant by up to one third in late winter or early spring to rejuvenate it and encourage new growth. This pruning should be done before the onset of the new growth season.
CleaningAs needed
SoilAfrican Daisy 'Mahogany' thrives best in a well-draining soil mix consisting of two parts potting soil, one part perlite or coarse sand, and one part peat. A soil pH of 5.5 to 6.5 is ideal for optimal growth and flowering.
RepottingAfrican Daisy 'Mahogany' should be repotted every one to two years or when it becomes root-bound. Spring is the best time for repotting to give the plant time to establish before the growing season.
Humidity & MistingAfrican Daisy 'Mahogany' is drought-tolerant and prefers low to moderate humidity levels, making it well-suited for typical outdoor conditions.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright light, well-draining soil, and limited water.
Outdoor
Place in full sun, use well-draining soil, and water sparingly.
Hardiness zone
9-11 USDA
Life cycleArctotis × hybrida hort. 'Mahogany', commonly known as African Daisy 'Mahogany', typically starts its life cycle when seeds are sown in well-draining soil after the last frost. The seeds germinate, and the plant begins the seedling stage, developing its first true leaves and establishing a root system. As the African Daisy 'Mahogany' enters the vegetative stage, the plant grows rapidly, producing a rosette of lobed leaves and branching stems. Flowers begin to form as it reaches the flowering stage, showcasing vibrant mahogany-red petals with a central disk that can be orange or yellow; this is usually in the late spring to early summer. After pollination, often by bees or butterflies, the plant sets seeds, completing its reproductive stage. The African Daisy 'Mahogany' may die back at the onset of colder temperatures if it is being grown as an annual; as a perennial, it can go dormant for the winter and regrow the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method of propagating Arctotis × hybrida hort. 'Mahogany', commonly known as the African Daisy, is through cuttings. To propagate African Daisy using cuttings, one typically selects a healthy, non-flowering stem that's about 4 to 6 inches long (which is approximately 10 to 15 centimeters). The bottom leaves are stripped, and the cut end may be dipped into a rooting hormone to encourage root development. The stem is then placed in a well-draining soil mix, ensuring at least two or three sets of leaves are above the soil surface. This is often done during the warm growing season where temperatures are conducive to root growth. The soil is kept moist but not waterlogged, and the cuttings are placed in indirect sunlight until roots have established, which usually takes a few weeks. Once rooted, the new plants can be transplanted to their permanent location.
