Osteospermum (African Daisy): Ultimate Growth and Care Guide

Osteospermum, commonly known as African Daisy, is a vibrant cool-season bloomer prized for its bold, daisy-like flowers and exceptional color range. Native to South Africa, it thrives in mild temperatures and brings reliable color to containers, borders, and landscape beds. Modern varieties offer improved branching, longer bloom cycles, and eye-catching petal patterns, including spooned and bi-colored forms. These plants are especially valued for their ability to flower heavily in spring and fall when many other annuals slow down.

This plant guide covers everything you need to grow healthy, long-blooming Osteospermum from planting through peak performance. You’ll learn how light, temperature, watering, and soil conditions directly affect flowering and plant structure. Whether grown in containers or in the landscape, proper care makes a dramatic difference in bloom quality and longevity.

By: Reggie Meehan (01/02/2026)

Introduction to Osteospermum (African Daisy)

Osteospermum, commonly referred to as the African Daisy, is a flowering plant native to South Africa. Belonging to the daisy family, this plant produces stunning, daisy-like flowers in a wide range of colors, including purple, white, orange, pink, and yellow. Its bold blooms and contrasting dark centers make it a standout addition to any garden or container. African Daisies are prized for their drought tolerance and ability to thrive in full sun. These plants are equally popular for their long blooming season, often starting in spring and continuing through fall in the right conditions.

Osteospermum’s tidy, mounded growth habit makes it perfect for edging flower beds, filling in gaps in sunny borders, or spilling beautifully over the sides of containers and hanging baskets. While it prefers cooler weather and may slow down during the peak of summer heat, regular deadheading and light pruning can encourage additional flushes of blooms. In zones where it's treated as a tender perennial, Osteospermum can return year after year with minimal effort. Its combination of low maintenance, stunning color, and versatility makes it a favorite among gardeners looking to create a cheerful, long-lasting display.

I planted African Daisies for the first time a few years ago, and I was immediately hooked. Their bold, eye-catching flowers brought life to my garden beds, and their adaptability to different climates made them one of the easiest plants to care for in my collection.

Characteristics of Osteospermum

African Daisies are a perfect choice for xeriscaping and water-wise gardening due to their exceptional drought tolerance. Once established, these low-maintenance plants require minimal watering, making them a favorite among gardeners seeking easy-care solutions. Adding to their charm, the blooms of Osteospermum open wide on sunny days and close at night or during cloudy weather, creating a dynamic display. Combined with their striking, contrasting centers, African Daisies are not only resilient but also a captivating addition to any garden.

Size and Growth Habit

Osteospermum plants are known for their moderate size and adaptable growth habits, making them suitable for a variety of garden applications. They typically grow to a height of 12–24 inches, with a spread of approximately 24 inches, forming a tidy mound or trailing gracefully. This versatile growth habit allows African Daisies to shine as ground covers, where their dense foliage can suppress weeds, as edging plants that frame flower beds or pathways, or as cascading features in hanging baskets and containers. Their ability to adapt to both vertical and horizontal spaces makes them a popular choice for gardeners seeking flexibility in design.

Leaves and Flowers

The foliage of Osteospermum adds subtle yet striking visual appeal to the plant. The semi-evergreen leaves are typically dark green, offering a lush backdrop to the vibrant flowers. Their shapes range from smooth-edged to slightly toothed, adding texture and variety to the plant’s overall appearance. In warmer climates, the leaves retain their color year-round, further enhancing their utility in garden design.

Osteospermum flowers are the undeniable highlight of this plant, captivating gardeners with their vivid colors and unique structures. Resembling traditional daisies, the blooms feature a dark or brightly colored central disc surrounded by petal-like ray florets. These flowers come in an impressive range of colors, including white, purple, orange, yellow, and pink. Many varieties boast multi-toned petals that can be solid, bi-colored, or even tri-colored, creating a dazzling display. The flowers' ability to close during cloudy weather or nighttime adds an interactive, dynamic quality to their beauty, making them as fascinating as they are beautiful.

Is African Daisy an Annual or Perennial?

The African Daisy’s classification as an annual or perennial depends largely on the species and growing conditions. In USDA Hardiness Zone 8A and warmer regions, Osteospermum behaves as a tender perennial, returning year after year with minimal intervention. With proper care, these plants can thrive in milder climates, providing blooms season after season. In colder zones, however, African Daisies are often treated as annuals, as they are unable to withstand freezing temperatures. Despite this limitation, their fast growth and long blooming season make them a worthwhile addition to gardens, even in regions where they complete their life cycle in a single year.

Best Varieties of Osteospermum Tested

Best Variety #1: Osteospermum ‘Zion Purple Sun’

This variety features bold orange petals fading to a vibrant purple center, perfect for dramatic garden displays.

Best Variety #2: Osteospermum ‘Blue Eyed Beauty’

Known for its yellow petals and striking blue center, this variety is a conversation starter in any garden.

Best Variety #3: Osteospermum ‘Snow Pixie’

This compact variety offers pure white blooms, ideal for a clean, minimalist look.

Best Variety #4: Osteospermum ‘Serenity Lavender Bliss’

Soft lavender petals with a darker center make this variety perfect for pastel-themed gardens.

Planting African Daisies

The best time to plant African Daisies is in early spring, once the danger of frost has passed. Whether planting seeds or seedlings, space them 12–18 inches apart to provide ample room for growth and good airflow, which helps prevent disease. Select a sunny location, as Osteospermum thrives in full sunlight and produces the most vibrant blooms under these conditions. When properly spaced and planted in the right location, African Daisies establish quickly and flourish with minimal effort.

Sunlight Requirements

African Daisies perform best in full sun, soaking up six or more hours of direct light each day. While they can tolerate light shade, you may notice a decrease in flower production if sunlight is limited. The more sun these plants receive, the more robust their growth and bloom cycles will be. Choose a bright, open spot in your garden to ensure these plants reach their full potential.

Soil Requirements

Osteospermum prefers well-drained soil with a sandy or loamy texture, which mimics its native South African conditions. Heavy clay soils should be amended with compost or sand to improve drainage and aeration. A neutral to slightly acidic soil pH of 6.0–7.0 is ideal for healthy root development and nutrient absorption. Ensuring proper soil conditions is key to maintaining the plant’s vigor and bloom quality.

Watering Needs

Once established, African Daisies are relatively drought-tolerant, requiring deep but infrequent watering. Overwatering should be avoided, as this can lead to root rot, a common issue with these plants. Allow the top few inches of soil to dry out between waterings, especially in cooler or shaded areas. Consistent but restrained watering keeps the plants healthy and blooming throughout the season.

Fertilizer Needs

While Osteospermum is a low-maintenance plant, it benefits from periodic feeding to support continuous blooms. Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring to provide a nutrient foundation. During the growing season, supplement with a liquid fertilizer every 4–6 weeks to sustain flower production and encourage vibrant colors. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of blooms.

Pruning & Deadheading

To keep African Daisies looking their best, deadhead spent blooms regularly, which promotes new flower growth and extends the blooming period. If the plants become leggy or overgrown in midsummer, trim them back to maintain a compact and tidy shape. Pruning not only enhances the plant’s appearance but also redirects energy toward producing fresh blooms.

Overwintering

In USDA Hardiness Zone 8A and warmer regions, African Daisies can overwinter outdoors with some preparation. Apply mulch around the base of the plants in late fall to insulate roots and protect them from cold snaps. In colder climates, treat them as annuals or pot them up to overwinter indoors. If brought indoors, place them in a sunny spot and water sparingly during the dormant season.

Common Pests

Aphids are a frequent pest on African Daisies, and they can be managed using insecticidal soap or neem oil. Spider mites may also appear, especially in hot, dry conditions. Increase humidity around the plants and treat with a miticide if necessary. Regularly inspecting plants for signs of infestation helps to address issues before they become severe.

Common Diseases

Powdery mildew can affect African Daisies if air circulation is poor or humidity is high. Improve spacing and prune overcrowded foliage to reduce the risk. Root rot is another concern, typically caused by poorly drained soils or overwatering. Prevent this by planting in well-drained soil and allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Common Mistakes

One common mistake is overwatering, which can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases. Another is planting in heavy clay soil without proper amendments, which can suffocate the roots. Neglecting to deadhead spent flowers can also reduce bloom production, as the plant redirects energy to seed formation instead of new growth.

Common Misconceptions

A prevalent misconception is that African Daisies do not require fertilizer. While they are low-maintenance, occasional feeding significantly boosts flower production and plant health. Another misunderstanding is that all varieties are annuals. In suitable climates, many African Daisy varieties are tender perennials, returning year after year with proper care. Recognizing these details helps gardeners maximize the beauty and longevity of their Osteospermum plants.

Using African Daisies in the Garden

Containers and Hanging Baskets

African Daisies are an excellent choice for containers, window boxes, and hanging baskets, especially in sunny locations. Many Osteospermum varieties, particularly trailing or semi-trailing types, naturally spill over the edges of pots, softening container edges and adding movement and flow to the arrangement. Their compact growth habit and long bloom period make them well-suited to tight spaces where color is needed without bulk.

In mixed containers, African Daisies serve as a beautiful “spiller” or “thriller” component, especially when paired with upright focal plants like salvia or angelonia, and low-growing fillers like calibrachoa or bacopa. They’re especially impactful when planted alone in mono-color bowls or patio planters, where a large number of blooms can create a bold and elegant statement.

For hanging baskets, use trailing Osteospermum to cascade 12–18 inches down the side, and position them where they’ll receive at least 6 hours of sun daily. They also tolerate cooler temperatures better than many warm-season annuals, making them ideal for early spring containers when nighttime temps still dip.

Pollinator Gardens

African Daisies aren’t just about good looks—they’re also valuable plants for pollinator-friendly gardens. Their brightly colored petals and open, daisy-like structure make them easily accessible to a wide variety of bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects. The central disk of the flower contains nectar and pollen that attracts foraging pollinators throughout the day.

Although not native to North America, Osteospermum still contributes to local ecosystems by providing nectar sources when many native perennials are not yet blooming—particularly in early spring and fall, when pollinators need alternative food sources. When planted in groups, African Daisies can act as a bee magnet, drawing attention away from more delicate crops and offering a lively, buzzing atmosphere to the garden.

For best pollinator support, interplant African Daisies with other blooming perennials like coneflower, bee balm, and salvia to create a diverse habitat. Their vivid colors, especially shades of orange, magenta, and violet, are known to be particularly attractive to butterflies and hoverflies.

Osteospermum Adds Garden Flair

Looking to grow Osteospermum, also known as African Daisy, in your garden? At Garden Delivery, we offer premium Osteospermum varieties known for their vivid, daisy-like blooms and excellent cool-season performance. These cheerful flowers thrive in full sun and add striking color to garden beds, borders, and containers. Sourced from trusted growers and bred for lasting beauty and resilience, our Osteospermum plants deliver reliable blooms and garden impact. We’re here to provide detailed information and performance insights so you can plant with confidence. Add Osteospermum to your landscape today and enjoy brilliant color and effortless charm!