African Daisy Osteospermum 'Weetwood'
ABOUT
The Osteospermum 'Weetwood', commonly known as the African Daisy or South African Daisy, is a flowering plant that is distinguished by its vibrant and showy blossoms. The flowers of the African Daisy exhibit a daisy-like form with a central disc surrounded by colorful petals. The petals are typically found in shades of purple, blue, pink, or white, often adorned with darker or lighter hues closer to the central disc, giving them a bi-colored effect that is quite attractive. Their central disks are often a deep blue or purple, providing a striking contrast against the surrounding petals. Foliage-wise, the African Daisy presents itself with slender, lance-shaped leaves that are usually a deep green color. These leaves can sometimes have an almost glossy surface, adding to the plant's overall aesthetic. The overall appearance of the African Daisy is one of brightness and cheer, with its flowers held above the foliage, creating a canopy of color when viewed from above. This plant is favored in gardens for its long blooming season and its ability to bring a splash of color to landscapes.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
African Daisy, South African Daisy, Cape Daisy, Blue-Eyed Daisy
Common names
Osteospermum 'Weetwood'.
ToxicityTo humans
The African Daisy (Osteospermum 'Weetwood') is not known to be toxic to humans. There are no common symptoms of poisoning from ingesting this plant, as it is generally considered non-toxic. Though it is not classified as poisonous, it is still not recommended for consumption as it is not a food plant, and ingesting plant matter not intended for consumption can sometimes cause mild stomach upset or an allergic reaction in sensitive individuals.
To pets
The African Daisy (Osteospermum 'Weetwood') is generally not toxic to pets. It is not listed among the plants commonly known to cause poisoning in pets like dogs and cats. While it is safe for pets, it is always prudent to discourage them from eating ornamental plants as they could potentially cause an upset stomach or an allergic reaction in certain animals.
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- Aesthetic Appeal - Adds vibrant color and beauty to gardens with its daisy-like flowers in various hues of white, pink, purple, or blue.
- Attracts Pollinators - Serves as a magnet for bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators, supporting local ecosystems.
- Drought Tolerance - Once established, it is fairly drought-tolerant, making it a good choice for water-wise gardens or areas with water restrictions.
- Easy to Grow - Known for being low-maintenance, requiring minimal care to thrive, hence suitable for novice gardeners.
- Adaptability - Can be grown in containers or garden beds, offering flexibility for different landscaping designs.
- Extended Blooming Period - Blooms from spring until fall, providing long-lasting color and interest in the garden.
- Versatile Usage - Used for borders, ground covers, and rock gardens, as well as for decorative purposes in pots and planters.
- Resistance to Pests - Generally resistant to pests, reducing the need for chemical pesticides.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Osteospermum 'Weetwood', commonly known as African Daisy, can be used as a natural dye for fabrics, producing subtle shades of color depending on the mordant used.
- The petals of the African Daisy can be added to salads or desserts for a touch of color and a mild, vegetative flavor reminiscent of their sunnier habitats.
- Use the vibrant flowers as a natural confetti for outdoor celebrations, as they are biodegradable and add a splash of color.
- The African Daisy can be pressed and included in handmade paper to create textured and decorative sheets for artisanal crafts or invitations.
- These flowers can be incorporated into potpourri mixes because of their shape and color, adding a floral hint to the scent palette.
- African Daisy's striking flowers can serve as natural indicators for teaching children about the posture of blooms in response to sunlight, as they open in bright conditions and close up in the dark or on overcast days.
- The plant can be used in horticultural therapy programs, with the act of caring for and cultivating African Daisies providing therapeutic benefits to individuals.
- African Daisies can be used creatively in photography as a prop or setting for macro photography, showcasing the intricate details of the flower's structure.
- The dried flower heads of the African Daisy can be used to create unique, botanical jewelry such as earrings or pendants, often sealed in resin.
- Gardeners can use the vibrant and contrasting colors of the African Daisy as a visual teaching tool for understanding the color wheel and complementary colors in landscape design.
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 Innovation: Osteospermums, commonly known as African Daisies, often symbolize beauty and the innovative spirit due to their intricate flower patterns and ability to thrive in a variety of conditions.
- Cheerfulness: The bright and cheerful colors of African Daisies represent positivity and the joy of life, often used in gardens to create a sense of happiness and light-heartedness.
- New Beginnings: The act of an African Daisy closing at night and reopening with the morning sun can symbolize new beginnings, hope, and the renewal of life.
- Peaceful Tranquility: African Daisies can denote a sense of calm and tranquility, with their soft, rounded petals and soothing colors often creating a peaceful atmosphere.
- Survival: As these plants are hardy and can tolerate a range of conditions, they also come to represent survival, adaptability and the ability to thrive against the odds.
WaterAfrican daisies, including the Osteospermum 'Weetwood', should be watered thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, which could be approximately once a week during active growth periods, depending on the environmental conditions. In general, you can provide about one gallon of water per plant each time you water. Reduce the frequency of watering during the fall and winter months when the plant's growth slows down. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so ensure good drainage to prevent water from accumulating around the roots.
LightAfrican daisies thrive in full sun, which means they need at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. The best spot for an Osteospermum 'Weetwood' is in a location where it's exposed to unobstructed sunlight for most of the day. Avoid placing it in deep shade or a heavily sheltered area, as this will result in fewer blooms and a leggy plant.
TemperatureAfrican daisies grow best in temperatures between 50°F and 75°F. They can withstand a minimum temperature of around 30°F but should be protected from frost. During the hottest parts of summer, if temperatures rise consistently above 80°F, the plant might go dormant, so it's ideal to place it in a location where it won't be exposed to extreme heat during the day.
PruningPruning African daisies encourages bushier growth and more blooms. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to promote continuous blooming and cut back the plant by one-third in late summer to rejuvenate it and encourage a fresh flush of flowers. The best time for pruning is after the main flowering period has ended or in early spring before new growth starts.
CleaningAs needed
SoilAfrican daisies like Osteospermum 'Weetwood' prefer well-draining soil with a mix of peat, perlite, and sand or a commercial potting mix amended with a handful of grit or perlite. The ideal soil pH for African daisies should be slightly acidic to neutral, around 5.5 to 6.5.
RepottingAfrican daisies generally need to be repotted every two years to refresh the soil and accommodate root growth. The best time to repot is in the spring, just before the growing season begins.
Humidity & MistingAfrican daisies thrive in moderate to low humidity conditions and do not require high humidity environments. They are quite adaptable to the typical humidity levels found in outdoor environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place near a sunny window and water moderately.
Outdoor
Full sun, protect from frost, well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
9-11 USDA
Life cycleThe cape daisy 'Weetwood' begins its life as a seed that, when sown in well-draining soil and given adequate warmth and moisture, will germinate. After germination, seedlings emerge and grow, developing a rosette of leaves at ground level before the central stem elevates, marks the vegetative stage of growth. As the plant matures, it forms flower buds, signaling the onset of the flowering stage; the buds bloom into daisy-like flowers that are typically active during spring and summer. Following pollination, these flowers can produce seeds, completing the reproductive phase. If conditions are favorable, the plant will continue to grow and undergo repeated flowering cycles, potentially living for several years as a short-lived perennial. As the plant ages, it may experience senescence, where growth slows and the plant eventually withers and dies, which is the final stage of its life cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Summer
Propogation: Osteospermum 'Weetwood', commonly known as the African Daisy, is most effectively propagated through cuttings. The ideal time to take cuttings for propagation is late spring to early summer when the plant is actively growing. To propagate by cuttings, a healthy non-flowering shoot is selected and cut with a sharp knife or scissors, typically about 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) in length. The lower leaves are stripped, and the cut end dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root development. The cutting is then inserted into a pot filled with a moistened mix of half perlite and half peat, making sure at least one node is buried where roots can form. The pot is placed in a warm area with indirect sunlight and covered with a plastic bag to maintain humidity. Roots will usually develop within a few weeks, after which the new plant can be gradually acclimated to less humid conditions and eventually transplanted outside.
