Osteospermum Akila Grand Canyon Mixed (Akila Series)

RHS Plant Profile
African daisy [Akila Grand Canyon Mixed]
Plants for pollinators
Annual Biennial

Compact, mound-forming, half-hardy annuals to 45cm in height, with sparsely toothed, spoon-shaped, glossy, mid-green leaves and smothered in daisy-like flowers in a range of colours, white, lavender and purple tones, and with yellows, creams and bronze, from spring to early summer

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
1–2 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
Trade

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 shootsPropagate by softwood cuttings in late spring or semi-hardwood cuttings in late summer from non-flowering shoots, protect from frost over winter and plant out after all chance of frosts is past

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