How to Grow Ursinia Plants

Guide to Growing Orange African Daisy, Namakwa Daisy, and Glossy Eyed Parachute Daisy

Plants belonging to the Ursinia genus are usually grown as half hardy annuals in the garden.

Ursinia ranges from 30 to 60 cm in height (1 to 2 feet).

Its foliage consists narrow leaves. Ursinia blooms from the middle to the end of summer. It carries orange or yellow flowers reminiscent of daisies.

A common name for a commnly grown Ursinia member is Orange African Daisy.

Ursinia by Badthings.

Ursinia pilifera by FarOutFlora. Both photographs under creative commons licence.

How to Grow Orange African Daisy and other Ursinia Plants in the Garden

If growing Orange African Daisies (Ursinia) from seed, then sow just after the last frost of spring. Lightly cover the seed once sown.

Orange African Daisy should be spaced about 20 to 25 cm apart (8 to 10 inches). Locate in an area of the garden that is sunny.

Ideally, the soil that the Orange African daisy grows in should have good drainage, but be poor quality (this plant will get out-competed in good quality soils).

If growing Ursinia indoors first, then start about 7 or 8 weeks in advance.

Orange African Daisy germination time is about two to four weeks, when performed at a temperature of 12 to 15 centigrade (54 to 59°F). Transplant young daisy seedlings following the last frost.

Caring for Ursinia

It is best to grow Ursinia species such as Orange African Daisies in a poor soil. If grown in a rich soil they will not be as strong and will require a stake. Ursiniaplants are drought tolerant so no need to water.

Common Questions

How many members does the Ursinia genus have?

The Ursinia genus includes approximately 50 species of annual and perennial herbs.

Do members of Ursinia make a good garden or landscaping plant?

Yes, Ursinia species can make a lovely addition to a garden with their vibrant flowers, particularly in rockeries or as border plants.

Which Ursinia species are most frequently grown by gardeners?

The most commonly grown Ursinia species is Ursinia anethoides, also known as Solar Fire.

Are members of the Ursinia plant genus fragrant?

While not renowned for their fragrance, some Ursinia species may have a mild scent, especially in the heat of the day.

What is the perfect location to grow Ursinia?

Ursinia prefers full sun locations with well-draining soil. They are tolerant of dry conditions.

Is Ursinia invasive in the USA, if so in which states?

At present, Ursinia is not considered invasive in the USA.

How do I remove Ursinia plants from my garden?

Ursinia plants can be manually removed by uprooting the whole plant, ensuring to remove all seeds to prevent regrowth.

Summary

The Ursinia genus includes annual and perennial plants native to South Africa. They are loved for their bright, daisy-like flowers that bloom in spring, adding a splash of color to the garden.

Plant Ursinia seeds directly into the ground in autumn or early spring. They prefer a sunny location and well-drained soil. Regular watering and deadheading will keep them blooming throughout the season, although they can tolerate drier conditions once established.

I hope that you enjoyed this guide on how to grow Ursinia plants. You may also enjoy the following Gardener's HQ growing guides: How to grow Arnica and Townsendia plants.