Ursinia Plant Growing & Care Guide for Gardeners
Article by Dean Ravenscroft, Ph.D. - Updated 27th Oct 2023
In this Gardener's HQ guide, we'll explore cultivating Ursinia plants in your garden, indoor spaces, and other settings.
- Plant Characteristics: Ursinias are vibrant, daisy-like annuals boasting a vivid display of oranges and yellows. Their bright hues and unique patterns make them a captivating centerpiece in any garden setting.
- Ideal Growing Conditions: Ursinias thrive in sunny spots with well-draining soil. They prefer moderate climates and don't tolerate frost well.
- General Care: Water them regularly, but allow the soil to dry out between watering. They benefit from a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer during the growing season.
- Tips for New Gardeners: Namakwa Daisy are relatively easy to care for, making them great for novice gardeners. Sow seeds after the last frost, and ensure they have plenty of sun. Beware of over-watering, which can lead to root rot.
Orange African Daisy, Solar Fire, Namakwa Daisy, & Glossy Eyed Parachute Daisy: Cultivation & Garden Use
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.
Urswinia by Badthings.
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.
Ursinia pilifera by FarOutFlora. Both photographs under creative commons licence.
Caring for Ursinia
It is best to grow Ursinia species such as Orange African Daisies in a poorer soil, but if you are using a rich soil be aware that they will not be as strong, so will require a stake. As Ursinia plants are drought tolerant there is little need to water.
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Ursinia Growing and Care Guide
Common Names: Orange African Daisy, Namakwa Daisy, Glossy Eyed Parachute Daisy, Bergmagriet, Solar fire. Ursinia: Springbok Rock; Dill-leafFamily: Asteraceae.
Life Cycle: Half hardy annual.
Height: 8 to 20 inches (20 to 50 cm).
Native: Southern Africa.
Growing Region: Zones 3 to 9.
Flowers: Summer.
Flower Details: Orange, yellow, white, purple. Daisy-like ray and disc florets.
Foliage: Pinnate. Narrow. Aromatic.
Sow Outside: Cover seed. Following the last frost. Spacing 6 to 10 inches (15 to 25 cm).
Sow Inside: Germination time: two weeks to one month. Temperature 60°F (16°C). Seven or eight weeks in advance. Transplant outdoors a few weeks after the last frost.
Requirements: Full sunlight. Good drainage. Ordinary soils. Can survive in dry soils. Provide support.
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.
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