Guide to Growing African Daisy, Namaqualand Daisy & Cape Marigold
Gardener's HQ Guide to Growing African Daisy, Namaqualand Daisy, and Cape Marigold
Although plants of the Dimorphotheca genus are half hardy perennials, they are usually treated as half hardy annuals in the garden.
They carry daisy-like flowers of many colors. These bloom in the summer (or in the late winter/spring in hot climates when grown as perennials).
Dimorphotheca aurantiaca - African Daisy by Godo-Godaj; creative commons.
Members of Dimorphotheca include African daisy, Star of the Veldt, and Cape Marigold. Latin names include Dimorphotheca sinuata. They make great plants for use in the border.
Dimorphotheca sinuata - Namaqualand daisy by Bkleinh.
Commonly Grown Dimorphotheca Species
Dimorphotheca sinuata
Dimorphotheca sinuata (Glandular Cape marigold / Namaqualand daisy / Orange Namaqualand daisy), photograph by Malcolm Manners; CC.
Dimorphotheca ecklonis
Dimorphotheca ecklonis (Cape Marguerite / Sunday's River Daisy), picture by Georgios Liakopoulos; CC.
Dimorphotheca pluvialis
Dimorphotheca pluvialis (White African Daisy / Weather Prophet), Image by Wilferd Duckitt; CC.
Commonly Grown Dimorphotheca / African daisy Cultivars
Dimorphotheca 'Magenta'
Dimorphotheca 'Magenta' Colored Cultivar photograph by Shene81; CC 3.0.
Dimorphotheca 'Sinuata orange'
Dimorphotheca 'Sinuata orange' Cultivar photograph by ceasol; CC.
Dimorphotheca 'Purple'
Dimorphotheca 'Purple' Cultivar (AKA Osteospermum ecklonis) photograph by A; CC 4.0.
Dimorphotheca Plant Growing and Care Guide
Common Names: African Daisy, Cape Marigold, Namaqualand Daisy, Rain Daisy, White Daisy Bush, Star of the Veldt.Family: Asteraceae.
Life Cycle: Half hardy perennial usually grown as a half hardy annual by gardeners.
Height: 8 to 18 inches (20 to 60 cm).
Native: Southern Africa.
Flowers: As an annual: summer and Autumn. As a perennial: winter and spring.
Flower Details: Yellow, red, apricot, orange, pink, purple, salmon, white. Daisy-like. Bisexual flowers.
Foliage: Herbaceous.
Sow Inside: Germination time: ten days to two weeks. Temperature 65°F (18°C). Seven or eight weeks in advance. Transplant outdoors three or four weeks after the last frost.
Requirements: Full sunlight. Good drainage. Rich soil. Regular watering (morning/avoid leaves) for best results, though fairly drought tolerant. Deadhead. If growing as a perennial then cut back leaves once flowering has finished. Propagate: cuttings in summer.
How to Grow African Daisy, and other Dimorphotheca Plants
Unless you live in a very hot climate it is probably best to start Dimorphotheca indoors first.
The seeds should be sown about 6 to 7 weeks before they are due to be transplanted into the garden towards the end of spring.
The seeds of African daisies and other Dimorphotheca species should be lightly covered once sown.
They will take about two weeks to germinate at around 18 to 20 degrees Centigrade.
Once growing the Dimorphotheca seedlings should be put in the garden with a spacing of about 25 cm ((10 inches). Place into a sunny part of the garden that has good drainage. They prefer a rich soil.
Caring for Dimorphotheca plants
Dimorphotheca plants should be watered in the morning. Care should be taken not to get the leaves wet to prevent rot.
After the flowering season is over, the stems should be cut back to ground level (if you plan to grow them as a perennial).
If you require more plants then it is possible to take cuttings from Dimorphotheca during the summer.
Common Questions
How many members does the Dimorphotheca genus have?
The Dimorphotheca genus includes about 16 species.
Do members of Dimorphotheca make a good garden or landscaping plant?
Yes, Dimorphotheca, or African Daisies, are great for gardens and landscapes due to their bright, daisy-like flowers.
Which Dimorphotheca species are most frequently grown by gardeners?
Dimorphotheca ecklonis (Cape Marguerite) is a favorite species among gardeners.
Are members of the Dimorphotheca plant genus fragrant?
Most Dimorphotheca species are not notably fragrant but are admired for their cheerful blooms.
What is the perfect location to grow Dimorphotheca?
Dimorphotheca plants thrive in a sunny location with well-drained soil.
Is Dimorphotheca invasive in the USA, if so in which states?
Currently, Dimorphotheca is not known to be invasive in the USA.
How do I remove Dimorphotheca plants from my garden?
Removing Dimorphotheca involves uprooting the plant. Make sure to remove all roots to prevent regrowth.
Summary
The Dimorphotheca genus, also known as African Daisy or Star of the Veldt, consists of around 16 species of flowering plants native to South Africa. They produce daisy-like flowers in vibrant shades of white, yellow, orange, and pink, which only open in bright sunlight.
Dimorphotheca plants prefer full sun and well-drained soil, and they are tolerant of drought and coastal conditions. They can be grown from seeds or cuttings, and should be planted in spring after the last frost. These plants are often used in borders and containers for a burst of color, and they also make good cut flowers.
I hope that you enjoyed this guide on how to grow Dimorphotheca plants. You may also enjoy the following Gardener's HQ Asteraceae growing guides: How to grow Painted Daisy, Ginkgo biloba, Eryngium, and Cirsium plants.
If you enjoy the information on this site, then you'll love my book: The Gardener's HQ Plant Growing Guide. Available for Kindle (MOBI), iPad (ePub) and as a PDF.
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