Osteospermum (Formerly known as Dimorphotheca) Common name: Cape Marigold,                         Cape Daisy	Indicates sun requirement      Full sun      Half sun      Semi-shade      Shade   Indicates Water requirement         High water requirement.     Water every 1-2 days.          Medium water requirement.     Water every 3-7 days.          Low water requirement.     Water every 7-14 days.
Description Osteospermum are shrubby perennials (native to South Africa) that flower all through the warmer months of the year producing long-stemmed daisy-like flowers. Colours are white or purplish-pink with dark blue centres. Foliage consist of narrow oval pointed sappy leaves with few side teeth. (Cultivars also include cream, yellow, peach and orange, and blue, yellow and purple centres and more profiled leaf shapes). Mostly grown as an attractive ground cover, or for a low spreading bush effect. Make good bed or border plants during hot summer months. Grows to a height of 25-30cm and spreads to about 1m. Mass planting creates a kaleidoscope of colourful daisy-like flowers!
Growing These plants thrive on neglect! They grow in a variety of soils, preferably well drained and need full sun for flowers to open. Osteospermum will grow in most climate zones, except in cold mountainous areas. Propagation is by seed during late autumn and spring. They will grow very quickly and are fairly drought resistant, once established. After their main flush of spring flowers tip prune the bush and fertilise with a water soluble fertilizer (Thrive, Phostrogen, Seasol etc.). Great ‘filler’ plant that is adaptable to most climates.   For more information on propagation, pests & diseases, plant care and botanical details visit www.osteospermum.com, an informative web site dedicated entirely to Osteospermum. You will also find photographs of all available varieties there.