African Daisy Osteospermum 'Stardust'
ABOUT
Osteospermum 'Stardust', commonly known as African Daisy, is a striking flowering plant known for its daisy-like blooms. The central disc florets are typically a deep blue or purple, surrounded by a halo of contrasting, creamy white or pale lavender ray florets that sometimes display a delicate pinkish-purple blush towards the tips. The ray florets are long, slender, and slightly overlap each other, forming a starburst pattern around the center, hence the name 'Stardust'. The leaves of the African Daisy are rich green, occasionally bearing a hint of gray, and are usually lance-shaped with smooth or slightly serrated edges. They form a lush, dense backdrop for the vibrant flowers, which often close at night or during overcast days and reopen with the morning sunlight. The African Daisy presents a cheerful and spirited display that can add a pop of color to any setting, with its blossoms appearing on the end of sturdy stems that rise above the foliage.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
African Daisy, South African Daisy, Cape Daisy, Blue-Eyed Daisy
Common names
Osteospermum 'Stardust'.
ToxicityTo humans
The African Daisy (Osteospermum 'Stardust') is generally considered non-toxic to humans. Therefore, if ingested, it is unlikely to cause any significant symptoms of poisoning or serious health consequences. However, as with any plant, individual sensitivities can vary and it's always best to avoid eating plants that are not specifically grown for consumption.
To pets
The African Daisy (Osteospermum 'Stardust') is also generally considered non-toxic to pets, including cats and dogs. It should not cause significant symptoms of poisoning if ingested by a pet. Nevertheless, it's still recommended to prevent pets from eating ornamental plants to avoid any potential gastrointestinal upset or individual allergic reactions.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Mixed
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- Easy Care: Osteospermum 'Stardust', commonly known as African Daisy, is low maintenance and relatively easy to grow in proper conditions.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, African Daisies are resistant to drought, making them suitable for regions with water scarcity.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinating insects, supporting local ecosystems.
- Long Blooming: African Daisies offer a long flowering period, bringing color to gardens for most of the year in favorable climates.
- Versatile: They can be used in mixed borders, containers, hanging baskets, and as ground cover, providing flexibility in garden design.
- Frost Tolerance: They can withstand light frosts, ensuring early spring and late fall blooms in temperate regions.
- Color Variety: The 'Stardust' variety offers unique and striking coloration, adding visual interest to gardens and landscapes.
- Compact Growth: Osteospermum 'Stardust' tends to grow in a compact form, making it suitable for small spaces and to control spreading.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Osteospermum 'Stardust', commonly known as African Daisy, can be used as a colorful garnish for culinary dishes, particularly desserts and salads, adding an exotic and edible flair.
- In crafting, the vibrant petals of the African Daisy can be pressed and included in handmade paper to create a decorative element for invitations or stationary.
- The African Daisy's striking flowers can be used in natural dye processes, providing shades of yellow and orange to fabrics and yarns.
- These plants can be incorporated into educational activities for children, who can learn about plant growth and pollination through observing the African Daisy's development.
- African Daisies may be used as a natural insect attractant in gardens to enhance pollination of vegetable and fruit crops by drawing in bees and butterflies.
- The plant can be utilized in photography projects or botanical illustration due to its distinctive and photogenic blooms, which capture the attention of artists and photographers.
- A dried flower head of the African Daisy can serve as a natural and decorative topping for potpourri mixtures.
- For event decorations, such as weddings or garden parties, the African Daisy provides a cost-effective and charming option for table centerpieces or pathway lining.
- When practicing the art of ikebana, the Japanese art of flower arrangement, African Daisies can be used for their stark geometric shapes and striking color contrasts.
- The plant's compact and mounding growth habit can be employed in landscape design as a living mulch, suppressing weeds while adding a splash of color to garden beds.
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- Innovation: The Osteospermum 'Stardust', commonly known as African Daisy, often symbolizes innovation due to its unique and radiant bloom that resembles a starburst.
- Optimism: Its vibrant and lively colors are said to represent a sense of optimism and positive energy, making it a great gift to uplift someone’s spirit.
- Attraction: The striking appearance of the African Daisy can symbolize attraction, drawing in admiration and attention with its star-like petals.
- Exploration: As a plant native to South Africa that has traveled to various parts of the world, it also represents exploration and the discovery of new horizons.
- Perseverance: The African Daisy's capacity to thrive in challenging conditions can signify perseverance and the ability to overcome obstacles.
WaterThe African Daisy should be watered deeply and thoroughly to ensure the roots receive enough moisture. You should water the plant when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, which typically translates to about once a week, however, this can vary depending on climate and weather conditions. In terms of the amount, provide roughly 1 gallon of water per watering to thoroughly soak the root zone. During the hot summer months, you may need to water more frequently, and less during the winter when the plant is dormant.
LightAfrican Daisies thrive in full sun conditions, so place them in a spot where they receive at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight each day. They can tolerate partial shade, but they will produce fewer flowers. The ideal location would be in an open area away from shade-casting trees or buildings that could block sunlight.
TemperatureThe African Daisy prefers mild temperatures and can typically handle conditions between 40 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. They can survive a light frost, but temperatures below 30 degrees Fahrenheit can damage the plant. Ideally, keep them in an environment where the temperature stays above 50 degrees Fahrenheit for the best growth and flowering.
PruningPrune African Daisies to encourage bushier growth and more abundant flowering. Pinch back the tips of the stems during the early growing season and deadhead spent flowers regularly. Perform a more substantial pruning in the late winter or early spring before new growth starts, removing any old or dead material. Pruning can be done as often as needed to maintain the plant's shape and size.
CleaningAs needed
SoilAfrican daisies prefer well-drained soil with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. A soil mix consisting of peat, perlite, and sand in equal parts will provide the necessary drainage and aeration. Organic compost can also be added to enrich the soil and provide nutrients.
RepottingAfrican daisies should be repotted every year or two to refresh the soil and provide room for growth. Spring is the best time for repotting when the plant begins its active growing phase.
Humidity & MistingAfrican daisies are adaptable to various humidity levels but prefer a moderate range. They will tolerate the humidity levels typically found in home environments without needing any special adjustments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright indirect light and avoid overwatering.
Outdoor
Plant in sunny area with well-draining soil; protect from frost.
Hardiness zone
9-11 USDA
Life cycleThe life of an African Daisy 'Stardust', begins with seed germination, which occurs under warm temperatures and adequate moisture, taking typically 7-14 days to sprout. Following germination, seedlings grow and develop a rosette of leaves at the soil surface. As the plant matures, it develops a sturdy stem and begins to form buds that will become its distinctive daisy-like flowers, often in shades of white, pink, or purple with a blue metallic center. These flowers typically bloom from early summer to fall, attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies, which aid in the plant's reproduction. After the flowering season, seeds form in the center of the spent blooms, which can be collected for propagation or allowed to fall to the ground to self-sow. Finally, African Daisy 'Stardust' may enter a period of dormancy during cold weather, particularly if grown in regions with cooler winters, but with proper care, it can survive to regrow the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The Osteospermum 'Stardust', commonly known as African Daisy or Cape Daisy, is typically propagated through softwood cuttings. This practice is generally most successful during the late spring and early summer when the plant's growth is vigorous. To propagate, a gardener would take a cutting of about 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 centimeters) from a healthy stem that has not flowered. The lower leaves are removed, and the cut end of the stem is dipped into rooting hormone powder to encourage root development. This cutting is then inserted into a pot filled with a moistened mixture of perlite and peat or a well-draining potting soil. It's important to maintain consistent moisture and provide a warm, indirect light setting. Roots typically develop within a few weeks, after which the young plants can be gradually acclimatized to outdoor conditions and eventually transplanted.
