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How to Grow Venidium Plants

Guide to Growing Cape Daisy, Monarch of the Veldt, and Namaqua-land Daisy

Plants belonging to the Venidium genus are half hardy annuals. They range in height from 45 to 60 cm (18 to 24 inches).

Venidium have silver coloured lobed leaves and bloom in the summer carrying daisy like flowers of orange or yellow with black centres.

Venidium

Venidium - Namaqua-land Daisy by Nekonomania; Creative Commons.

Some commonly grown garden Venidium include Cape Daisy, Namaqualand Daisy, and Monarch of the Veldt.

Venidium fastuosum

Venidium fastuosum by Koizumi.

Commonly Grown Venidium Species

NB. Venidium is synonymous with Arctotis

Venidium fastuosum

Venidium fastuosum
Venidium fastuosum (Venidium Orange Prince), photograph by Internet Archive Book Images; CC.

Venidium White Monarch

Venidium White Monarch
Venidium White Monarch (Venidium White Monarch of the Veldt / White Cape Daisy), picture by Swallowtail Garden Seeds; CC.

Venidium Growing and Care Guide

Common Names: Cape Daisy, Monarch of the Veldt, Namaqua-land Daisy.
Family: Asteraceae. NB. some members of the Venidiumgenus are sometimes classifed in the Arctotis plant genus.
Life Cycle: Half hardy annual.
Height: 16 to 24 inches (40 to 60 cm).
Native: Southern Africa.
Growing Region: Zones 6 to 10.

Flowers: Summer.
Flower Details: White (brown and orange at the petal base), yellow, orange. Sunflower-like ray and disc florets.
Foliage: Deeply lobed.
Sow Outside: 1/8 inch (6 mm). Warm areas: late summer, autumn and/or winter. Spacing 10 to 12 inches (25 to 30 cm).
Sow Inside: Germination time: one to two weeks. Temperature 60°F (16°C). Nine or ten weeks before expected last frost. Transplant outdoors following the last frost.
Requirements: Full sunlight. Light soils. Dry soils. Provide support. Occasional light feed.

How to Grow Cape Daisy and other Venidium Plants in the Garden

Unless you live in a warm area it is best to grow Venidium plants such as Cape Daisy indoors.

Sow the seeds at a depth of 3 mm (1/10th inch), about ten weeks before you expect the last frost of spring in your area.

Venidium seeds will take about one or two weeks to germinate at a temperature of 15 to 18 degrees centigrade (59 to 64°F).

Transplant the Cape daisy (Venidium) seedlings outdoors following the last frost, at a spacing of 30 cm (1 foot).

Ideally Venidium species should grow in a sunny part of the garden, and in a dry and light soil.

Caring for Venidium

Venidium plants like Cape Daisies are pretty easy plants to look after.

Water sparingly as they prefer a dry soil, stake larger varieties.

Common Questions

How many members does the Venidium genus have?

The Venidium genus, commonly known as Monarch of the Veldt, includes about 12 species.

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

Yes, Venidium species are favored for their daisy-like flowers and are great for borders, cutting gardens, or as ground cover.

Which Venidium species are most frequently grown by gardeners?

The most commonly grown species is Venidium fastuosum, also known as Cape Daisy or Monarch of the Veldt.

Are members of the Venidium plant genus fragrant?

Venidium species are not typically known for their fragrance, but their vibrant flowers are highly attractive.

What is the perfect location to grow Venidium?

Venidium enjoys a sunny location with well-drained soil. They're an excellent choice for borders, ground cover, or cutting gardens.

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

Currently, Venidium is not known to be invasive in the USA. Always refer to local regulations for accurate information.

How do I remove Venidium plants from my garden?

To remove Venidium, uproot the entire plant, ensuring all roots are removed to prevent regrowth.

Summary

Venidium is a plant genus in the Asteraceae family, originating from South Africa. It includes several species of annual plants, often referred to as Cape Daisy or Monarch of the Veldt.

Venidium prefers full sun and well-drained soil for best growth. It is typically grown from seeds, which are sown in spring. Its vibrant, daisy-like flowers open during the day and close at night or in cloudy conditions.

I hope that you enjoyed this guide on Venidium plants. You may also enjoy the following Gardener's HQ growing guides: How to grow Buphthalmum and Arctotis plants.