Osteospermum (Cape daisy)

I see - what about the whirligig ones, Pete? Are they proper osteospermum?

 

They are all osteospermums, even the whirligigs, just different kinds.

 

I agree, Pete, there is only one hardy one in the UK, I mentioned it to Honey Bee for her garden. You don't see the whirlygigs here.

The Osteos are often confused with the Dimorphothecas but they are not as common as Osteos.

[ 03. October 2006, 09:15 AM: Message edited by: Lady of Leisure ]

 

All in all there is a large collection of daisys from S Africa, mostly brightly coloured.
The names are a bit confusing I find, but most are worth growing, I think, unfortunately for us in the UK, most are tender. :(

 

Should I put my containers of osteo/daisy in my greenhouse for winter protection.

My greenhouse is unheated but does have bubblewrap insulation.

 

I overwintered Osteos in an unheated summerhouse last winter and they survived and have done very well this year. My summerhouse had bubblewrap, which I am sure helped quite a bit. I understand from my book that the species Osteo jacundum is reasonably hardy. But it goes on to say that the species is rarely on sale. Usually it is a hybrid based on O.jacundum, but the hybrids are not so hardy. If it was sold with a name such as Serena and Kalanga Rosy it is very likely a hybrid.

 

So Pete I best put my Serena and kalango inmy unheated greenhouse its still mild but damp here.

So containers still out side.

Greenhouse has bubblewrap ,can containers go in without added protection like something wrapped around.

 

You don't have to wrap anything round the pots. Everything in a greenhouse (especially one with bubble wrap) will benefit from being out of the wind and being somewhat warmer than outside.

In fact there is a good arguement for filling your greenhouse with as many large pots as you can. I have even heard of people putting 60 gallon drums of water in a greenhouse. The reason is simple - it acts as a heat resevoir. During the day in winter the greenhouse will warm up in the sun and at night it will cool down and lose heat. The more heat you can store during the day the warmer it will be at night. Same principle as a night storage heater.

 

I see the logic peter, but doesn't it also work in reverse.
Never have understood the principle behind polystyrene seed trays, its said that they keep the roots warm, they also keep the roots cold.
Suppose they keep a steady temp and iron out the highs and lows.
Really would like enough space left in my greenhouse for a 60 gallon container of water. :D