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African Daisy

Dimorphotheca ecklonis

Formerly Osteospermum ecklonis

Also known as Cape Marguerite, Star of the Veldt, Blue-and-white Daisybush

herbaceous☀️ full sun💧 low water❄ Hardy: Zone 9a – Zone 11b

Climate Match for your location

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African Daisy is a tender perennial with cheerful daisy-like flowers in shades of white, purple, pink, and orange that bloom nearly year-round in mild climates. It thrives in full sun and well-draining soil, requiring minimal water once established.

Why grow it

African Daisy offers extended bloom in mild climates compared to many temperate perennials, with flowers persisting through winter in zones 9-11. Its low water demand once established and tolerance for poor soils make it useful for drought-adapted landscapes, though it typically requires more frequent watering than established native shrubs in arid regions. The range of flower colors provides design flexibility similar to other Osteospermum species, but this cultivar shows particular vigor in coastal Mediterranean climates.

Watch out for

In regions with high humidity or poor air circulation, plants may develop fungal issues on foliage, particularly in winter. Performance declines significantly in hot inland summers without afternoon shade, where plants may stop blooming and decline despite adequate water. Where winters are consistently cold below hardiness range, it functions as a cool-season annual rather than a reliable perennial.

Overview

Form
mounding, daisy-like
Growth Rate
moderate
Size
1.5–2.5′ tall × 1.5–2.5′ wide
Dormancy
evergreen
Family
Asteraceae
pollinator nectary

Native Range

South Africa

Seasonality

Bloom Season

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

Season of Interest

SpringSummerFallWinter

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Companion Planting

Plants well with