African Daisy Osteospermum 'White Pim'
ABOUT
Osteospermum 'White Pim', commonly known as African Daisy, is a striking plant celebrated for its daisy-like appearance. This plant features a profusion of large, pristine white flowers. Each bloom showcases a prominent, disc-like center that is usually a blue to purple tone, giving a beautiful contrast to the white petals. The petals themselves are smooth and somewhat spoon-shaped with a slight overlap as they radiate around the central disk. The foliage of the African Daisy is typically dense and lush, with leaves that exhibit a deep green color and a slightly glossy finish. They are narrow and lance-shaped, providing a perfect backdrop for the eye-catching blossoms. Overall, African Daisy 'White Pim' is renowned for its ability to bring brightness and a sense of purity to garden spaces with its distinctive and elegant white flowers.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae.
Synonyms
African Daisy, South African Daisy, Cape Daisy, Blue-Eyed Daisy.
Common names
Osteospermum 'White Pim'.
ToxicityTo humans
The African Daisy, specifically Osteospermum 'White Pim', is not known to be toxic to humans. However, as with many plants, it is not intended for ingestion, and sensitive individuals may experience mild discomfort or an allergic reaction if they have specific sensitivities. There is no widespread or significant toxicity associated with this plant, and serious consequences from ingestion are not commonly reported.
To pets
The African Daisy, specifically Osteospermum 'White Pim', is not considered toxic to pets. It is generally safe around cats, dogs, and other household pets. Symptoms of poisoning are not expected if a pet ingests parts of this plant. However, ingestion of any non-food plant can potentially cause mild stomach upset in some animals due to the plant material's irritation.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
1-2 feet (30-60cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
9
Native area
South Africa
Benefits
General Benefits- Enhances visual appeal: Osteospermum 'White Pim', commonly known as African Daisy, adds aesthetic value to gardens with its bright white flowers and dark blue centers.
- Drought-tolerant: Once established, African Daisy is relatively low-maintenance and can withstand periods without water, making it suitable for xeriscaping.
- Attracts pollinators: The flowers of the African Daisy attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators, promoting biodiversity in the garden.
- Long blooming season: African Daisy typically offers a long flowering period from spring to fall, providing extended color and interest in the landscape.
- Easy to grow: This plant is well-suited for beginners as it is easy to care for and can adapt to a variety of soil conditions.
- Versatile planting options: African Daisy is suitable for borders, container gardening, and as ground cover, offering flexible design choices for gardeners.
- Resistant to pests: The plant is generally resistant to common garden pests, reducing the need for chemical interventions.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Osteospermum 'White Pim', commonly known as African Daisy, can be used for educational purposes; biology and horticulture students can study its growth patterns and the unique daisy-like structure of its flowers.
- The African Daisy can be an interesting subject for photographers and artists, especially those focusing on botanical themes, due to its pristine white petals and contrasting dark centers.
- This plant's striking flowers can be used in crafts, such as pressing for bookmarks or in creating natural, decorative motifs on greeting cards and stationery.
- The African Daisy can be a natural dye source; the petals can sometimes be used to color fabrics or art materials with soft, subtle hues.
- Its blooms can be used as natural confetti for outdoor celebrations, providing a biodegradable and environmentally friendly option.
- The plant might be incorporated into eco-friendly furniture design, with its imagery used in fabric prints for cushions or upholstery.
- African Daisy can be used as a companion plant in gardens to attract beneficial insects such as bees and butterflies for pollination of surrounding crops and plants.
- The flowers can be utilized in culinary presentations as an edible garnish, adding a splash of white to salads and desserts, although they should be used sparingly as not all parts are necessarily palatable.
- Live African Daisy plants can be used in sensory gardens; their texture and color providing visual and tactile interest particularly valued in therapeutic garden settings.
- Lastly, dried African Daisy flowers can be incorporated in potpourri mixes to add volume and visual diversity, complementing other dried flowers and scents.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Cape Daisy is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Cape Daisy is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Innocence: The pure white color of the African Daisy 'White Pim' often symbolizes innocence and purity, which is a common association with white flowers in general.
- Peace: White flowers are typically associated with peace and tranquility, and the African Daisy 'White Pim' can represent a desire for peacefulness or be used to convey a sense of calm.
- Optimism: African Daisies are known for their cheerful appearance. The white variety, with its bright center, can symbolize an optimistic outlook and the belief in new beginnings.
- Beauty: The elegant appearance of the African Daisy 'White Pim' makes this plant commonly associated with beauty, particularly the beauty of nature or simple elegance.
WaterAfrican daisies should be watered deeply but infrequently to encourage a strong root system. Check the soil moisture by sticking your finger an inch into the soil; if it feels dry, it's time to water. Usually, watering once a week with about a gallon for outdoor plants and a few ounces for smaller indoor pots is sufficient. In hot weather, you may need to water twice a week. Reduce watering in the winter when the plant is dormant, ensuring the soil doesn't remain waterlogged which can lead to root rot.
LightAfrican daisies thrive best in full sunlight, so it's important to place them in a spot where they can receive at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight a day. These plants can tolerate partial shade, especially in hotter climates, but they will produce fewer blooms.
TemperatureAfrican daisies prefer moderate temperatures and can typically survive in a temperature range from 30 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Although they can endure cooler nights down to about 30 degrees Fahrenheit, they perform best at temperatures between 50 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
PruningPruning African daisies is essential for promoting bushier growth and encouraging more blooms. Trim back spent flowers regularly, and cut back the plant every spring or after the main blooming season to keep its shape and encourage new growth. Light pruning can be done throughout the growing season.
CleaningAs needed
SoilAfrican Daisy 'White Pim' thrives in well-draining soil with a mixture of potting soil, peat, and perlite or sand. Aim for a soil pH between 5.5 and 6.5. Proper drainage is key to prevent root rot and support healthy growth.
RepottingAfrican Daisy 'White Pim' typically requires repotting every 1-2 years. It's important to repot in the spring before the onset of the growing season to ensure optimal health.
Humidity & MistingAfrican Daisy 'White Pim' prefers moderate to low humidity levels. As a drought-tolerant plant, it does well in typical household humidity conditions.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place African Daisy 'White Pim' in bright, indirect light.
Outdoor
Plant African Daisy 'White Pim' in full sun and well-drained soil.
Hardiness zone
9-11 USDA
Life cycleThe Osteospermum 'White Pim', commonly known as African Daisy, begins its life as a seed, typically sown in early spring in well-draining soil and under adequate sunlight. Germination follows, where the seed develops into a seedling with a pair of true leaves after initial growth of the embryonic leaves or cotyledons. As it enters the vegetative stage, the plant grows larger, producing more leaves and branches, forming a robust structure. The African Daisy then reaches the flowering stage in late spring to summer, exhibiting vibrant white daisy-like flowers that attract pollinators and bloom recurrently until the onset of fall. After pollination, the flowers will develop seed heads, allowing for seed dispersal and the potential for new plants to grow the following season. Lastly, as a perennial in some climates or an annual in cooler regions, it either dies back at the end of the growing season or persists, entering dormancy during colder months.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Summer
The most popular method of propagating Osteospermum 'White Pim', commonly known as African Daisy, is through softwood cuttings. This process is typically carried out in spring to early summer when the plant's growth is most vigorous. Cuttings should be taken from healthy, disease-free plants, selecting stems that are about 4 to 6 inches long (approximately 10 to 15 centimeters) with several leaves. The bottom inch (2.54 centimeters) of the cutting is stripped of leaves, and the cut end is dipped in rooting hormone before being placed in a moist, well-draining growing medium. To ensure a humid environment, cover the cuttings with plastic and place them in indirect light until roots establish, which typically occurs within a few weeks. Once rooted, they are transplanted to individual pots and grown on until they are large enough to be planted out in the garden.
