The Osteospermum genus contains roughly 50 different types of perennials, annuals, and sub-shrubs in the daisy plant family.
You can see the resemblance in the shape of the flowers, which look like large daisies, available in a range of colors.
At A Glance: What You Should Know About Osteospermums
Similarly to many plants within the sunflower or daisy plant family, Osteospermum flowers are actually composite flower heads, meaning that the central eye in the middle of the flower is made up of tiny flowers, also called florets.
The majority of species within the osteospermum genus have long, flat petals which are typical of a daisy, but there are some varieties that have petals which resemble spoons!
These fantastic plants will provide long-lasting color into any garden, even if you live in a colder zone.
There are a huge amount of varieties to choose from, and it helps that many new hybrids have been created, adding to the colors and forms available.
Osteospermum Name Origin
Curiously, the genus name is a mixture of Latin and Greek. Osteon is Greek, translating as bone, and spermum is Latin, for seed.
You may also know these flowers as African daisies or Cape daisies, as this is where they hail from.
African Daisy Symbolism
African daisies symbolize grace, innocence, and purity.
Osteospermum Growing Guide
Most osteospermum varieties are hardy in USDA zones 9 through to 11, and most will flower from the last few weeks of spring well into fall, if the weather is good enough.
One thing that all osteospermums need is a very sunny position, and you’ll notice that some species will close up their flowers once the sun goes in, so make sure you give them some sun!
They aren’t demanding when it comes to soil needs. As long as you give them good drainage, these plants will thrive in any type of soil.
