Osteospermum Symphony Series

RHS Plant Profile
African daisy Symphony Series
Plants for pollinators
Annual Biennial

Mound-forming to trailing, half-hardy perennials up to 35cm with oblong to lance-shaped, toothed, glossy, dark green leaves and profusion of daisy-like, orange, lemon, cream, yellow or peach colour range flushed purple at the base of the petals with dark centre, from late spring into autumn

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.1-0.5 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
0.1-0.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Loam Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H3

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Asteraceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Semi evergreen
Habit
Bushy
Potentially harmful
Pets (rabbits, rodents): Harmful if eaten. For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
Genus
Osteospermum can be annuals, perennials or sub-shrubs, with aromatic, evergreen, simple or lobed leaves and showy daisy-like flowers over a long period from late spring
Name Status
Accepted

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in light, moderately fertile, well-drained soil in a warm, sunny position. Tolerate poor soil, salt or drought. In frosty areas overwinter cuttings under glass

Propagation

Propagate by softwood cuttings in late spring or semi-hardwood cuttings in late summer from non-flowering shoots

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Coastal
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Gravel garden
  • Mediterranean climate plants
  • Patio and container plants
  • Bedding
  • Conservatory and greenhouse
  • Flower borders and beds

Pruning

Deadhead regularly and tidy in spring. No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids

Diseases

May be susceptible to downy mildews and Verticillium wilt