Osteospermum 'Iced Gem'

RHS Plant Profile
African daisy 'Iced Gem'
Bedding Conservatory Greenhouse

An upright and gently spreading shrubby perennial that thrives in sun and grows up to approximately 30-40 cm high. The leaves are quite striking: grey- to mid-green with pale creamy yellow variegation, up to 10cm long, and can be linear or lance-shaped, and can have toothed edges. The daisy flowerheads are about 5-8cm across, with bright silvery-white petals which are touched with blue-purple at their bases as they approach the blue-purple flower centres.

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.1-0.5 metres

Max Spread

0.5-1 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
1–2 years
Max Spread
0.5-1 metres
Max Height
0.1-0.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained or 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
Drought Resistance
Yes

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Asteraceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
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
Unresolved

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in fertile, very well-drained soil in a warm site in full sun with shelter from cold winds. In frost-prone climates, propagate reserve plants every year, and overwinter young plants in frost-free conditions. Drought tolerant once well established

Propagation

Propagate by softwood cuttings in late spring, or by 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
  • Hanging Basket
  • Mediterranean climate plants
  • Patio and container plants
  • Gravel garden
  • Low Maintenance
  • Bedding
  • Conservatory and greenhouse
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Ground cover
  • Wall side borders
  • Banks and slopes

Pruning

No pruning required, but regular dead-heading can help prolong flowering into late summer and early autumn

Pests

Generally pest-free. May be susceptible to aphids

Diseases

Generally disease-free. May be susceptible to downy mildews and Verticillium wilt