With their cheerful, daisy-like blossoms, osteospermums were an instant hit.
They create a lively display when planted on their own or with other cool-season plants, such aspansies.
When osteospermums were first introduced, they were available in only a few colors,primarily whiteand peach.
Credit:BHG / Evgeniya Vlasova
Despite a limited color selection, their bright blue-purple centers made them a popular garden choice.
Where to Plant Osteospermum
Osteospermums are most often grown as cool-season annuals.
Some varieties arehardy in Zones 9-11but wont survive cold temperatures.
Credit: Justin Hancock
They can be moved to a protected area in cold regions and overwinter there.
Plant trailing or compact varieties of osteospermum in hanging baskets or add them to container gardens.
Water well when first planting osteospermum.
Credit: Justin Hancock
Keep the plants 12 inches apart to allow for growth.
Soil and Water
Osteospermum prefers evenly moist,well-drained soils.
Too-wet soil is a sure way to stress out or kill osteospermums.
Credit:BHG / Evgeniya Vlasova
Once they are established, they are somewhat tolerant of drought.
They can tolerate temperatures in the high 30s, but wont survive a freeze.
Pruning
Prune the entire osteospermum plant lightly in early spring or late fall to encourage bushy growth.
Credit: Peter Krumhardt
Deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage additional blooms.
Put it in an area where it receives sunlight and keep the soil evenly moist.
The plant lives only two to three years, sorepottingmay not be necessary.
Credit:BHG / Evgeniya Vlasova
Pest and Problems
One common pest you might see on osteospermums isthrips.
Fortunately, otherbeneficial insectsare out during the growing season and can keep these pests in check.
Select non-flowering shoots and cut them at about 3 to 5 inches.
Credit: Justin Hancock
Remove any leaves from the bottom half of the cuttings anddip them in a rooting hormone.
Plant them in a well-draining medium to root.
If you dont mind surprises, sprinkle fresh seeds on top of the planting medium indoors in late fall.
Credit: Ed Gohlich
The seeds need light to germinate, so keep them well-lit but cool.
They cant tolerate heat.
Research is being done to createlonger-lasting bloomsthat stay open all day and night.
Credit: Ed Gohlich
Also, the center disk flowers have been modified to be longer and denser, creating a 3D effect.
New colors of osteospermum are constantly being created.
Here are some favorites.
Credit: Helen Norman
It grows 14 inches tall.
This compact selection grows 10 inches tall.
Zones 9-11
Sunny Dark Florence Osteospermum
OsteospermumSunny Dark Florence bearsorange flowerson a 12-inch-tall plant.
Credit: Scott Little
It grows 12 inches tall.
It grows 12 inches tall.
Zones 9-11
Osteospermum Companion Plants
Dianthus
Thequintessential cottage flower, pinks (Dianthusspp.)
Credit: Justin Hancock
are treasured for their grasslike blue-green foliage and abundant starry flowers, which are often spicily fragrant.
Plants range from tiny creeping groundcovers to 30-inch-tall flowers that are a favorite with florists.
Heliotrope
Even without its fabulous scent,heliotrope would be widely grownin the garden.
Credit:BHG / Evgeniya Vlasova
Some say it smells like cherry pie, some say a grape ice pop, and others say vanilla.
Regardless, it is undeniably one of the most intriguingly scented plants in the garden.
Heliotrope thrives in a spot with full sun and moist, well-drained soil.
Credit:BHG / Evgeniya Vlasova
For the strongest scent, group several plants together where they can get afternoon sun.
The warming sun will release their fragrance.
Snapdragon
Few gardens should be without theeasy charm of snapdragons.
Credit:BHG / Evgeniya Vlasova
The blooms come in gorgeous colors, including some with color variations on each flower.
Plus, snapdragons are an outstanding cut flower.
Gather a dozen or more in a small vase, and youll have one of the prettiest bouquets around.
Credit:BHG / Evgeniya Vlasova
Theyre also great for fall color.
Plant snapdragon in early spring, a few weeks before your regions last frost date.
Deadhead regularly for best bloom and fertilize regularly.
Credit: Illustration by Mavis Augustine Torke
In mild regions, the entire plant may overwinter if covered with mulch.
The daisy-like blooms are excellent fillers around larger blossoms, and add rich color to arrangements.
The flowering season lasts for eight weeks or longer in most areas, as long as youdeadhead spent blooms.
These flowers are non-toxic, so they make a wonderful addition to a garden where pets and children play.
Expect to see plenty of bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds around when you plant osteospermum in the garden.
