Osteospermum Cape Daisy White

The Osteospermum Cape Daisy White is a beautiful selection with white flowers derived from a South African perennial formerly called Dimorphoteca. Not very hardy, but very floriferous between spring and autumn, the Cape daisy is an excellent plant for terraces and balconies, often grown as an annual in our climate. By the seaside, it is planted in rockeries or raised beds where it survives the winter. The flowers of this variety resemble small white daisies adorned with an almost black centre, closing in the evening and if the light is insufficient. The Osteospermum Cape Daisy is an improved selection that has a nice upright and ramified habit, with a clean appearance.

Mainly originating from South Africa, Osteospermum, sometimes called Rain Daisy, are perennial or annual plants closely related to dimorphothecas, and belong, like them, to the Asteraceae family. Most osteospermums cultivated in gardens are hybrids between three species, with origins more or less uncertain. They are generally very robust plants, useful for ornamental dry soils. Their preferred region in South Africa corresponds to the Atlantic facade, which has a Mediterranean-like climate.

The 'Cape Daisy White' variety blooms from May-June to October, depending on the cultivation method and climate. The plant, maturing in a few months, will reach about 40 cm (15.7 in) in all directions, forming a beautiful cushion generously covered in flowers. Its flowers are simple, 5 cm wide, consisting of a peripheral collar of ligulate flowers in immaculate white, surrounding a small heart of dark blue sterile florets that gradually release yellow stamens. They are borne on strong, ramified stems emerging from green, dentate foliage. Usually grown as an annual in temperate climates, the plant can regrow from the stump in spring if the winter is not too cold (maximum hardiness -6°C) and the soil is well-drained.

A true ray of sunshine for the garden or balcony! Osteospermums have become indispensable, as they are very willing to cover dry slopes in open ground or terraces and balconies exposed to heat with a flowery blanket. They can be associated in a dry garden with catmints, Asclepias tuberosa, shrubby salvias, verbenas, lantanas, or immortelles. They will highlight borders and flower rockeries. Mixed together, they form remarkable ground cover. In flower pots, they can be combined with bidens, nemesias, or with Erigeron karvinskianus, for example.

Green plants measuring 4 to 8 cm in small 5-pack trays with a diameter of 2.8 cm (0.8 in) and a height of 4 cm (1.6 in). Our plants are at least eight weeks old and strong enough to be planted in open ground.

Note: Attention, our young plants in mini-trays are professional products reserved for experienced gardeners: upon receipt, transplant and store them under shelter (veranda, greenhouse, cold frame...) at a temperature above 14°C for a few weeks before planting them outside once all risk of frost has passed.