Osteospermum - how to care for it?

Hi there,

I bought some plants recently at the garden centre, and normally when I visit I have an idea of what I want. However, this time, I saw the pretty daisy-like plants and decided to get some on impulse. I've planted them around a tree stump, amongst the alliums and salvia that I recently put in.

Reading the care they need though, I 'm not what to do with them - some websites say that are not frost-hardy and advise digging them up in autumn to shelter them. Others say to take cuttings. Also, I don't know which variety I have - the tag just says 'rain daisies' but aren't there many different types, all needing different care? Some say they are annuals but others say they're perennials...?

Any advice on this appreciated! I've been getting 'easy' plants so was surprised that this one says 'experienced' on various websites.

Thanks!

 

hi
I love osteospernums, they are also often called cape daisies. The ones I have last happily through winter (although they are in a sheltered spot) and grow prolifically almost into a small bush for about 3 years then die.
If you take cuttings from stems that have no flower buds in late spring and just put them in water on your windowsill they will soon grow roots and can be planted out, although they wont flower the same year as cutting...so by doing this you can continue their life so to speak!
good luck, they are beautiful flowers.

 

Hi magrat ...

I am really of no use to you because of my climate, but I think they are pretty hardy in the Southern regions of the UK.

Mine are years old and I just cut them back and they come back .. here they are this month ....

Good luck with yours, to me they are a joy to have in the garden.

 

Hi Magrat.

There are many species, but I think the Osteopermums that you buy in a garden centre, like so many other popular plants, are hybrids that have been specially bred to be the right size and colours for the market. Its a bit like Dahlias. There are many different species, ie varieties that occur in the wild, but virtually all the Dahlias we see are complex hybrids of hybrids, to the point the none of the experts are sure of the parentage.

I have bought a number of Osteopermums, which I love. They all seem to be perennial, but I think they are borderline hardy. I certainly wouldn't trust them outside overwinter, but I am sure they can survive in some parts as Victoria said - lovely picture.

 

Hi Magrat.
At out last house, we had those. They seemed to last for years, no problem at all. I guess as long as the winters aren't TOO bad, they're ok. Hope this helps.
Cheers...freddy.

 

Hiya, PeterS ... must catch up with you soon.

It is true there are hybrids and even I cannot keep them here, the orange and strange coloured ones. The ones I have are the true ones, white and purple which just 'do their own thing'.

Oh, just saw you pop up there freddy, hi to you as it's been a long time. I'm pleased you've confirmed that you can have them for years. I think in 'dodgy' climates it may be best ot cut them back to ground level and cover them with whatever you do ... bark perhaps? ... and they probably will come back.

 

I think we have been here before.

To me there are two types, the ones sold as bedding plants that are a bushy tender plant and a creeping kind that is hardy and will survive most things that the UK can throw at it.

So If it creeps and spreads rooting as it goes and was bought in the hardy perennial section of a garden centre, its probably hardy.
If it was bought amongst the summer bedding plants its unlikely to survive a winter.

 

Thanks for the replies! I think I must have the more delicate version - I don't think mine are 'creeping'. I'll take some cuttings before winter as back-up and then just see if the plants outside survive - at least I'll have insurance then. I've planted mine in a sunny quite sheltered spot so they might be ok.

Those are beautiful pictures Victoria.