Osteospermum

These tender perennials are grown for their pretty, Daisy-like flowers. They are natives to South Africa and can be grown outdoors in mild climates only. O. Whirligig is a very pretty plant that grows up to 2 feet high. The evergreen, fragrant, dark gray-green leaves are long, narrow and toothed. Its large, single flowers have interesting spoon-shaped petals. They are borne atop slender stems during the summer. They are white above and powder blue to chalky gray beneath with dark blue-gray central disks. O. jucundum forms clumps of lance-shaped, serrated, mid-green leaves. In late summer, an abundance of large, single, Daisy-like, soft pink flowers are produced. The flowers of O. Buttermilk have pale yellow petals and dark reddish-brown disks. They are produced on thin, but strong stems, during the summer.

Pot Cultivation

Grow in fertile, well-drained soil, in full sun. Overwinter plants in frost-free conditions.

Propagation

Cuttings of non-flowering shoots may be used in mid-summer. Seeds may also be sown at that time.

O. Whirligig

VARIETIES

• O. Whirligig;
• O. jucundum;