Osteospermum: growing and caring for it at home

Growing osteosperm and caring for it is not difficult.
Osteospermum (lat. Osteospermum) is an annual and perennial herbaceous plant, shrub or subshrub. The flower gets its name from the Greek word "osteo" - bone, and the Latin word "spermum" - seed. The flower belongs to the Asteraceae family. In appearance it resembles a chamomile or daisy.

Storing osteospermum in winter

Osteospermum is a perennial crop, but it can survive winter conditions only in a southern climate, where the temperature does not drop below 10 degrees.
It will be enough just to cover it for the winter. If you want to preserve the variety, you can dig up the bush, plant it in a spacious pot and bring it indoors. From December to March, provide the osteospermum with winter rest. The temperature in the room where the flower will be kept should not be higher than 15 - 17 degrees. Watering should be reduced to a minimum. In spring, plant the overwintered bush in the garden.

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Proper cultivation and care of osteospermum

Osteospermum: growing and caring for it at home

What is needed for planting osteospermum

Osteospermum requires a substrate enriched with minerals and humus with a neutral reaction. The flower prefers sunny areas, but can grow in partial shade. The main problem is the tendency to develop root rot, due to which areas with close groundwater are not used. In the holes in which osteospermum will be planted, drainage must be done.

How to feed osteospermum for lush flowering

Regardless of whether the osteospermum flower is grown as a perennial or annual, for normal development it requires feeding with useful substances, consisting of ash and humus. When the buds develop, they are sprayed with complex compounds for indoor crops.

Mineral fertilizer is diluted in accordance with the instructions, the amount of water is doubled. This approach prevents burning of the petals. Feeding is carried out with a break of 21 days.

Important! For the massive formation of side shoots, it is necessary to pinch the top ones.

How to preserve osteospermum in winter

In areas with a southern climate, where in winter there are no temperatures below -10 degrees, shelter consisting of spruce or pine branches and peat is used to preserve shrubs. In temperate climates, the crop needs to be transplanted into containers and moved into housing. After the procedure, the bushes continue to delight with flowers until the end of December.

Important! With the onset of the first winter month, a state of dormancy is created for the plant. It is transferred to a cool room and the amount of watering is reduced.

Why does osteospermum not bloom?

There are two main reasons for the problem:

1. In hot weather, the crop stops flowering and begins to actively form seed plants. To avoid this phenomenon, it is necessary to carry out drip irrigation and shade the shrubs.
2. Excessive nitrogen content provokes abundant growth of the green part. The number of buds is significantly reduced.

Important! With proper supervision of the plant, problems with the formation of flowers do not arise.

Osteospermum flower at home: propagation

The osteospermum flower reproduces by seed and vegetative methods. Let's take a closer look at each of them.

Seed method

Growing osteosperm from seeds at home is a fairly easy task that gives good results. To do this, you can use both your own collected seed and store-bought seeds. To improve germination, before planting, the seeds should be placed on a damp cloth for a couple of hours. During this time, the seeds will be saturated with moisture, which will speed up the process of germination. It is worth remembering that you only need to moisturize with a napkin; pouring water over the seeds can have the opposite effect - overmoistening is detrimental to the seed material.

When to plant osteospermum seeds

To obtain lush seedlings for the summer season, the seeds are planted in a container at the end of March, beginning of April. A universal substrate is suitable for planting, with the obligatory arrangement of a drainage layer of fine gravel or other material at the bottom of the container. You can also use a soil mixture of peat mixed with sand.

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When planting, the seeds are buried no more than half a centimeter. To do this, it is most convenient to use a toothpick, which can be used to slightly bury the seed into the ground. After planting the seeds, the container is covered with a protective film and kept in a warm, semi-shaded place. Planting should be regularly ventilated and moisten the soil. Within a week, the first shoots will appear. After they appear, the film is removed, and the container should be moved to a more illuminated place.

After the seedling has formed two or three strong leaves, it needs to be transplanted into a separate container. In the case of growing tall varieties, after its growth reaches ten centimeters, you need to pinch the top, which will promote the development of side shoots.

Planting osteospermum in open ground

When the osteospermum seedlings have grown enough, we plant them in the flowerbed or garden. This is usually done at the end of May, when there is no risk of morning frost. The seedlings are transplanted using the transshipment method, preserving the soil in which they grew while in the container. To do this, you need to dig a hole, the diameter of which will allow you to place not only the root system of the plant, but also the soil in which it grew before. The distance between copies should be about 20-25 centimeters. If the variety chosen for planting is bushy, then the plant needs to be enlarged. After transplanting the seedling and during its rooting, regular watering must be provided.

Cuttings of osteospermum

An effective way to propagate a flower is cuttings. Osteospermum cuttings for planting are taken from the upper part of the plant, where they represent young shoots. You can harvest cuttings in winter (January-February), using perennial varieties, or in autumn.

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The cut shoot is placed in water for about a month, and after the roots appear, it is transplanted into the ground. This specimen will bloom the next season. Cuttings of osteospermum in the fall give faster results and can ensure flowering in early spring.

Growing from seeds

When choosing a method for growing osteospermum, preference is usually given to the seed method, because in this case the plant develops quickly and does not require special care. This is a unique method for this plant, but if you are chasing varietal qualities, then growing from seeds is not the best choice. This is due to the fact that the seeds do not convey all the parental qualities, so the resulting plant may turn out slightly different - for example, the shape of the inflorescences will be different, as well as the color. But in other cases, growing from seeds is considered the most suitable method.

First you need to take care of preparing the soil mixture, seed and containers. Only after this can you start sowing.

Soil preparation

To grow osteospermum, you need to prepare fertile soil, which can be purchased in the store. Despite this, experienced gardeners prefer to use their own prepared soil mixture, since they do not trust store-bought products. To prepare, you need to mix sand, humus, turf and leaf soil in equal proportions. For disinfection, it is recommended to keep the soil mixture in a steam bath or in the oven for 10-15 minutes. This will kill all harmful microbes. Then you can proceed to the next stage.

Peat tablets are another possible option.

Seed preparation

For sowing, only dry seeds should be used. Otherwise, the plant may not develop fully. If when planting some crops it is necessary to soak, then in the case of Cape chamomile this is not recommended, because wet seeds in the soil can rot. The maximum that can be done with the seeds is to cover them with a damp cloth for 20 minutes before sowing.

Selection of capacity

You also need to take care of suitable containers for future seedlings. In the case of osteospermum, it is advisable to use individual containers. This is due to the high sensitivity of the root system, which negatively responds to flower transplantation. If you are the owner of a large nursery, then over time it will be necessary, which must be started after several (2-3) leaves appear.

If possible, it is better to use peat pots for sowing, although you can also use small plastic containers, which must be disinfected with boiling water before sowing. This procedure will protect the flower from fungus, which will ensure rapid and active growth.

Sowing

Having decided on the variety and having prepared everything you need, you can start sowing. This process is not difficult if you follow the step by step instructions below.

Table. Instructions for sowing osteospermum seeds.

Selection and preparation of containers for sowing

The peculiarity of African chamomile is its fragile root system, so you need to select an individual container for replanting in open ground. The plant reacts painfully to replanting; in order not to damage the root, it is best to plant the seedlings in separate peat pots.

If there is no opportunity or time to plant seedlings, planting material is immediately sown in special 3x3 cassettes.

Technology of sowing and caring for seedlings

Growing osteosperm from seeds at home is a simple, quick and affordable process. Dry seeds are sown to a depth of no more than 0.5 cm.

1. The container is covered with glass (plastic film is also used). The container with planting material is placed in a well-lit place.
2. For rapid seed germination, it is necessary to maintain the temperature in the range of +20...+22 °C (growing at lower temperatures slows down the growth of osteosperm).
3. When the first shoots appear, the container is transferred to a glazed balcony.

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Caring for the first shoots

Let's consider all the nuances.

Watering

Strictly dosed, carefully, to eliminate the possibility of water stagnation, the top layer of soil should dry out. For irrigation use only warm water.

Ventilation

The container is covered with glass or plastic film. They need to be removed every day for ventilation and access to oxygen.

Fertilizer application

Two weeks before moving the seedlings to the garden (presumably the second half of April), they are fed by spraying (using a weak solution of mineral or organic fertilizer).

Hardening

A few weeks before transplanting into open ground, seedlings are prepared for a change in temperature. This helps the plant adapt to new, natural conditions. The temperature is reduced gradually. The algorithm of actions is as follows:

1. first, open the window for 10-15 minutes;
2. then the container with seedlings is taken out to the balcony for 45-60 minutes, the time spent in the open air is increased to two hours;
3. 7-10 days before planting in the flowerbed, the seedlings are left on the balcony constantly and are not taken into the house at night.

Some gardeners recommend starting to harden off the plant after the first leaf appears. Picking is carried out as needed, when three full-fledged leaves appear.

There is no unanimous opinion among gardeners regarding pinching. One group believes that this is only necessary for tall crops, and the second - that pinching helps to form a lush bush and guarantees abundant, long-lasting flowering.

Picking

If the planting material was sown in boxes, it is necessary to pick the seedlings. This is done a month after germination, when the plant already has three full leaves.

The picking is carried out in separate cups no more than 10 cm high. The seedlings are transplanted with a ball of earth so as not to damage the fragile root system.

Mr. Summer Resident warns: possible problems when growing osteospermum

If you provide the plant with the necessary conditions, it develops quite quickly and blooms in June.

The flower is watered in the morning or in the afternoon, when the soil dries out. It is best to use a spray bottle and warm water.

Another problem is that the plants become stretched, the stem becomes thin and the leaves become pale. There are several ways to solve the problem:

• hilling of osteospermum;
• pinching the top.

How and when to plant osteospermum seedlings in open ground

Only under favorable conditions will young plants adapt well and take root in a new place, so there is no need to rush with planting. Replanting can be done only when the threat of night frosts has passed and warm weather has established (stable daytime air temperature + 10°C or more). The timing may differ, for example, in the middle zone it is better to plant osteospermum seedlings at the end of May, in Siberia and the Urals - at the beginning of June, in the south this can be done already at the end of April.

Before planting plants in open ground, they need to be hardened off 10-14 days before the event. The hardening procedure will strengthen the immunity of plants, making them more hardy and resistant to bad weather and environmental factors. To begin with, you can simply open the window for several days. Then take the plants out onto the balcony or street, but you need to start small: first take them out for 1-2 hours, then gradually increase the time every day.

You can plant osteospermum seedlings in open ground according to the following scheme:

• You need to water the plants a few hours in advance.
• Then you should choose a suitable site: sunny, with loose, light, nutritious, drained soil.
• Make holes about 20-25 apart from each other. The size of the holes should be slightly larger than the earthen ball with plants.
• Now you need to carefully remove the plants from the container along with the earthen lump; it must not be destroyed.
• Transplant the plant into the hole using the transshipment method, fill the voids in the hole with soil, compact the soil and water abundantly.
• If the ground sank after watering. add to the previous level.
• After replanting and absorbing water, it is recommended to mulch the area around the flowers; a layer of mulch is about 5-7 cm; you can use peat or rotted sawdust.

Further care of osteospermum in open ground consists of watering, removing weeds, hilling, periodically loosening the soil or mulching, and fertilizing for better flowering. By the way, plants reproduce well by self-sowing, so if you don’t want to allow them to grow on their own next year, you need to cut off the faded inflorescences in time. Also, removing the inflorescences will increase the flowering period.

Can it be grown as an indoor flower?

To grow African chamomile in a pot on a balcony or in an apartment, it is necessary to provide favorable conditions. You should purchase loose, fertile soil, a universal soil. Making your own mixture:

• sand;
• leaf soil;
• turf;
• humus.

Containers must have drainage holes for excess water. Expanded clay is poured onto the bottom of the flower pot as drainage. The indoor plant can remain in bloom for up to eight months. It needs rest. The pause takes place in December and ends in early March. It is important to move to a dimly lit, cool place. Reduce watering.

Growing osteospermum seedlings

Growing osteospermum is possible in two ways: seed and cuttings.

But there are varieties that can only be propagated using seeds.
Planting osteospermum is possible immediately in open ground in a permanent place. But in this case, flowering will come quite late. In order to observe earlier flowering of osteospermum, it is better to grow it as seedlings.

Time to sow seeds for seedlings

In order for the plant to bloom in June, it is advisable to sow seeds for seedlings from late March to early April. The flower can be grown as an annual or perennial plant, depending on the climate zone and natural conditions. Osterosperum requires warm weather for germination; about +18 °C will be the optimal temperature when it can be planted as seedlings. Under such conditions, the first shoots will appear within 10 days.

Substrate for growing seedlings

The soil for planting osteospermum should be loose. As a substrate, you need to take a mixture of turf and leaf soil, humus and sand in equal parts.

You can also use sterilized loose peat-sand mixture in equal proportions.

Sowing seeds for seedlings

The seeds of the plant are quite large and have good germination, so they can be planted directly in pots. This will avoid the picking stage, which could damage the root system. There is also no need to plant several seeds in one pot; one in each is enough.

The seeds are planted, deepening them into the soil by 0.5 cm, after which they are covered with earth.

Important! The main secret to good germination is planting dry seeds. There is no need to soak them, it is better to wrap them briefly in a damp cloth

If the seeds are too waterlogged, the sprouts will subsequently rot.

Conditions for seed germination

Containers with seedlings must be covered with film or glass, placed in a bright place and provided with an air temperature of about +20 °C. Rapid cultivation of osteospermum seedlings from seeds is possible in bright light and moderate temperatures. It grows worse in warmth, so it is best to place the seedlings on a cool, glazed balcony.

Did you know? Seeds will sprout faster and better if you destroy their hard shell before planting: lightly crack or bite, like a sunflower seed.

Seedling care

Seedlings require regular moderate watering without waterlogging the soil.

The seedlings need to be fed once, around the end of April, two weeks before transplanting into open ground.

A weak solution of organic and mineral fertilizers is suitable for spraying. Novice gardeners argue about whether it is necessary to pinch out osteospermum and which varieties need it.

It is generally accepted among professionals that tall plant varieties require mandatory pinching of the tops of shoots at the seedling stage, which is carried out twice. This will allow you to slow down the stretching of shoots a little, form a beautiful bush and provide abundant color.

Hardening of seedlings

Osteospermum is quite cold-resistant, but despite this, it is advisable to harden growing seedlings

. As soon as the first true leaves appear on the seedlings, you need to lower the temperature for a short period by opening a window or balcony door. You need to start with 10-15 minutes, gradually extending the procedure and lowering the temperature to +12 °C.

Osteospermum care

When choosing a place for osteosperm, pay attention to light areas. The plant will continue to bloom decoratively even in prolonged cloudy weather, but keeping the flower in the shade will lead to elongation of the shoots and a decrease in the number of buds. But the plant is not afraid of wind; the deep root system and strong shoots will prevent the flower from breaking. Select soil for osteosperm that is loose and fertile, and take care of good drainage. There is no need to oversaturate the soil with fertilizing, otherwise the plant will devote all its efforts to growing green mass and flowering will suffer. Standard care procedures for African chamomile include:

• Moderate watering of osteospermum. Monitor the soil moisture, maintain a balance in the amount of water: a lack of moisture is not as dangerous as an excess.
• Feeding osteospermum. Apply fertilizer only during the flowering period.
• Removing faded osteospermum inflorescences.
• Pinching the osteospermum. Carry out the procedure to form a decorative bush, as well as to stimulate the growth of new shoots.

Wintering of osteospermum is complicated by the heat-loving nature of the plant. Some varieties are able to withstand frost down to -10 degrees; in the southern regions they can be left in the garden, providing shelter and insulation. In other cases, to grow perennial osteosperm, you will have to do a transplant. After flowering has finished, transplant the African chamomile into separate containers and place it in a room with an air temperature of up to 10 degrees. This way you will keep the plant healthy and give it proper rest. In spring, return osteospermum to open ground.

African chamomile is a hardy and unpretentious plant that is not susceptible to diseases and pest attacks. Plant osteospermum in the garden and enjoy bright blooms all summer long.

Planting and care

Even a novice gardener can cope with planting and caring for osteospermum.

"Cape daisy" is a very unpretentious flower. Easily tolerates summer heat, short drought and slight frost. Loves sunny places and fertile soil.

It is grown by seeds and cuttings. The seed growing method is most preferable, since the plant develops quickly and does not require much care. But if varietal qualities are important to you, then it is better to grow by cuttings. The cuttings will convey all the parental qualities of your favorite variety.

Growing osteosperm from seeds

Growing osteospermum from seeds at home will not be a problem.

Seeds can be planted immediately in open ground, but then flowering will come late. Therefore, it is better to grow spermum flower through seedlings.

The seeds of the flower are large and germinate well. Seeds must be planted dry, as they may rot if soaked. If you want to speed up the germination process, keep it in a damp cloth for 20 minutes. The root system of osteospermum seedlings is very delicate and does not tolerate transplantation, so it is recommended to sow the seeds immediately into individual containers.

Seeds are sown at the end of March or beginning of April, deepened by 5 mm, sprinkled with earth on top. Cover the crops with film and place in a warm, bright place. Crops must be ventilated daily and moistened as necessary. In about a week, the seeds will germinate. In tall seedlings, the top is pinched to stimulate lush flowering. At the beginning of May, the seedlings need to be hardened off little by little, taking them out onto the balcony first for 15 minutes, then increasing the time spent in the fresh air. At the end of May, the seedlings are ready for planting in the ground.

Choose a sunny place for planting seedlings in the ground, since the flowers will not open in the shade. Osteospermum loves loose, fertile, well-drained soil. The proximity of groundwater can cause root rot.

Seedlings are planted in prepared holes by transferring them from individual containers with a lump of earth so as not to damage the roots. The distance between bushes should be at least 35-40 cm.

Reproduction by cuttings

In order to propagate osteospermum by cuttings, you need to take care of this in advance. In autumn, the bushes are dug up and stored indoors.

In January - February, the tops of the plant, 5-7 cm long, are cut off with a sharp knife, the cut is made at an angle. The lower leaves are cut off and the cuttings are placed in water for about a month until roots appear. Then the rooted cuttings are planted in pots with soil, peat and humus. Try to maintain the temperature no lower than 20 degrees. In mid-May, when warm weather sets in, the cuttings are planted in a permanent place in the garden.

Garden varieties

Includes more than fifty species. Popular:

1. Eklona is a heat-loving perennial shrub that can grow up to one and a half meters in height. The diameter of the inflorescences is up to eight centimeters. The reed corollas are dark, red, purple, white, with pink veins below. Includes a compact species with a predominantly bright turquoise center of inflorescences.
2. Shrubby - characterized by recumbent stems that grow quickly, covering large areas with a carpet. The abundant appearance of buds occurs in winter.
3. Conspicuous - the inflorescences are pink or purple, the core is dark. It is distinguished by persistent and lush flowering.

Hybrids are interesting for gardeners, resistant to climatic conditions, with an unusual structure and color of inflorescences:

1. Bengal fire - bush height up to thirty centimeters. The petals are white with a blue color on the underside.
2. Ice and sky - a bright, blue core against a background of snow-white petals.
3. Ampelous - a large bush with abundant buds. Can't stand cold.
4. Ballad is resistant to coolness and heat, retains its decorative appearance in all weather conditions. Suitable for shady areas.
5. Accord is a perennial one meter tall. Grown as an annual. Inflorescence in the form of daisies, diameter five centimeters, white flower with a blue center. Flowering from June to late October.
6. Symphony cream – lemony, yellow petals with a narrow purple stripe.
7. Cool - resilient bushes up to half a meter with a rich covering of flowers up to ten centimeters.
8. Terry - flowers do not close when it gets dark.
9. Passion – pink and purple compact baskets up to five centimeters. Designed for growing in an apartment.
10. Pink curls are up to half a meter high, with corollas compressed in the middle.
11. Volta - the tongues have a smooth transition from lilac to white.
12. Yula - white, gray below, the peculiarity is the folded tongue along.

Types and varieties of osteospermum

There are about 45 species of osteospermum found in nature. The most famous of them are:

Osteospermum ecklonis

- a plant from the eastern Cape region. Some forms of the species have straight stems up to 1.5 m high, other forms are spreading, low-growing, almost creeping. The inflorescences of plants of this species, with a red-violet center and white reed flowers covered with pink veins on the underside, reach a diameter of 8 cm. There is a variety with bluish middle flowers.

Bush osteospermum (Osteospermum fruticosum)

originally from the southern Cape region. It has creeping stems that can cover large areas. The reed flowers of this species are light lilac, white or red. Osteospermum fruticosa was introduced into California and spread enormously there.

Osteospermum jucundum

is a perennial native to the interior of South Africa. It blooms almost all year round with inflorescences with purple-pink reed flowers, darkening towards the center.

As for the varieties and hybrids of osteospermum, their origin is uncertain. The most popular of them are:

• Bamba is a variety with wider marginal flowers than other osteospermums, which are white at the beginning of flowering, but gradually become purple;
• Buttermilk - bushes about 60 cm high with gray-green leaves, dark middle flowers and pale yellow marginal flowers;
• Cannington Roy is a low-growing creeping subshrub with inflorescences up to 8 cm in diameter, consisting of white corollas with purple tips, which gradually become pinkish-purple;
• Congo - a variety with small inflorescences and pinkish-purple reed flowers;
• Pemba is a plant whose reed flowers grow together into a tube up to half their length;
• Lusaka is a variety with long light purple reed flowers;
• Volta is a variety whose reed flowers are first lilac-pink, and then they become almost white;
• Silver Sparkler - bushes up to 40 cm high with white marginal flowers and light dots on the leaves;
• Sandy Pink is a plant about 40 cm high with pink inflorescences and spoon-shaped marginal flowers;
• Starry Eyes are plants just over half a meter high with white on the upper side and grey-blue on the lower reed flowers, folded in half lengthwise.

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general description

The homeland of this unique flower is South Africa (Cape Province of South Africa), therefore it is called “African chamomile”, “Cape daisy”.

This unique flower was brought to Europe by the British back in the 10th century , where it gained enormous popularity. And all because “African Chamomile” is very beautiful and unpretentious.

Planting and caring for the plant is easy and simple. It differs in the duration of flowering (from June until the autumn frosts). Thanks to this, the flower is used not only for decorating flower beds and flower beds, but also for growing on balconies, in hanging flower pots and even on home window sills.

The plant is an evergreen crop, up to 1 meter high. The stems are erect, covered with dense foliage. There are species with creeping shoots. The leaves are dense, oblong, with smooth or serrated edges.

A large number of flowers bloom on branched bushes, resembling daisies in appearance. The core of the flower can be blue, blue, smoky black. Petals (reed inflorescences): white, purple, blue, pink, orange, yellow. The size of the inflorescences is from 3 to 8 cm. The inflorescences are simple, semi-double, double.

Osteospermum is often confused with dimorphotheca, since these flowers are very similar and are related. The difference is that osteospermum is a perennial plant, and dimorphotheca is an annual plant. In central Russia, osteospermum is grown as an annual.

African Chamomile blooms for a long time - from June to October. The life of one inflorescence is no more than 5 days; in its place new flowers appear abundantly. In the sun, the inflorescences open, and when night or cloudy weather sets in, they close. This is how the flower protects pollen from exposure to rain or night moisture.

Popular varieties and hybrids

Osteospermum amazes with its variety of varieties. There are more than 45 species in nature, from which many hybrids have been developed.

The most popular for breeding work is osteospermum "Eklona" or "Cape daisy". The main varieties based on it:

1. "Silver Sparkler" - snow-white inflorescences, leaves with white spots.
2. "Zulu" - yellow inflorescences.
3. “Sky and Ice” - snow-white petals with a blue core.
4. "Buttermilk" - pale yellow inflorescences.
5. "Congo" - bright pink-violet petals.
6. “Volta” is a chameleon variety, the flowers change color from lilac-pink to white.
7. "Bambe" - white petals turn purple.
8. “Pemba” - petals are rolled halfway into tubes.
9. "Sandy Pink" - pink petals look like spoons.
10. "Sterry Ice" - petals folded in half lengthwise.

The Passion variety is very popular - the shortest and most compact bushes. It is characterized by cold resistance and lush flowering. Inflorescences of white, purple and purple two-tone shades combine beautifully in the Passion osteospermum. The seed mixture can be purchased at specialty stores. The most popular varieties are “Gnome Salmon” and “Pink Lace”.

Another species for breeding hybrids is often used osteospermum pleasant, in which the petals of the inflorescences have different colors on both sides. Hybrids developed on its basis:

1. "Buttermilk" - pale pink petals, bronze underneath.
2. "Bengal fire" - white petals on top, blue below.
3. 'Lady Leitrim' has white inflorescences with pink markings.

Types and varieties of osteospermum in the photo

Most Osteospermum flowers are wild species. Only a few shrubs are suitable for growing at home.

Eklona

Osteospermum ecklonis reaches a height of 1 m and is a branched, strong shrub. It does not tolerate low temperatures, therefore it is cultivated mainly as an annual.

Osteospermum ecklonis

Has the Osteospermum ecklonis Starshine variety, characterized by a bright blue flower center.

Osteospermum ecklonis Starshine

Noticeable

Osteospermum jucundum is grown as a container crop. When favorable conditions are created for this heat-loving plant, it can delight with large purple-pink inflorescences all year round.

Osteospermum jucundum var. compactum

Hybrid

The hybrid type of Cape chamomile is characterized by long flowering and unpretentiousness. Obtained as a result of crossing plants within the family.

The main varieties of this hybrid are:

1. Osteospermum Sky and Ice. It is distinguished by the unusual color of the inflorescence, in which the middle is blue and the edges have a white tint.
2. Cool. The variety is intended only for use in bouquets. It has large white and purple flowers.
3. Buttermilk (Osteospermum Buttermilk). It is characterized by a bright yellow color of the petals, turning into white over time.
4. Passion. A relatively low bush with pink or purple flowers up to 5 cm in diameter.
5. Volta (Osteospermum Volta). A plant whose peculiarity is the gradual change of the pinkish-lilac shade of the petals to white.
6. Osteospermum Bamba (or Bambe) is a chameleon plant because it gradually changes color from white to purple.
7. Osteospermum Akila. The variety is resistant to cold and is characterized by dark purple inflorescences with a pleasant aroma.

As a result of breeding work based on the Akila cultivar, several of its varieties were developed:

1. Akila Parple - reaches 20 cm in height, characterized by rigid, constantly renewed flowers with a diameter of up to 6 cm.
2. Aquila Grand Canyon Mix has good branching, grows up to 36 cm, blooms profusely;
3. Akila White is a small plant (up to 16 cm) with constantly renewed white inflorescences.

Garden Cape daisies bloom in early summer and continue to produce inflorescences until the first hard frost. When grown in a greenhouse, flowering will be continuous from May to December.

Relatives of Osteospermum

Novice gardeners often confuse the closest relatives of Dimorphotheca and Osteospermum, but the differences between these plants are significant.

Indeed, both shrubs are representatives of the Asteraceae family, come from African countries, and have a certain resemblance to chamomile. However, the main distinguishing characteristic of the species is that Osteospermum is a perennial, while Dimorphotheca is grown exclusively as an annual plant.

Another crop with which African chamomile is often confused is cardiospermum. Despite the similar name, this is a completely different plant. Cardiospermum is native to India and is an annual vine. The seed pods of the crop are similar to the fruits of physalis.

Garden varieties

Includes more than fifty species. Popular:

1. Eklona is a heat-loving perennial shrub that can grow up to one and a half meters in height. The diameter of the inflorescences is up to eight centimeters. The reed corollas are dark, red, purple, white, with pink veins below. Includes a compact species with a predominantly bright turquoise center of inflorescences.
2. Shrubby - characterized by recumbent stems that grow quickly, covering large areas with a carpet. The abundant appearance of buds occurs in winter.
3. Conspicuous - the inflorescences are pink or purple, the core is dark. It is distinguished by persistent and lush flowering.

Hybrids are interesting for gardeners, resistant to climatic conditions, with an unusual structure and color of inflorescences:

1. Bengal fire - bush height up to thirty centimeters. The petals are white with a blue color on the underside.
2. Ice and sky - a bright, blue core against a background of snow-white petals.
3. Ampelous - a large bush with abundant buds. Can't stand cold.
4. Ballad is resistant to coolness and heat, retains its decorative appearance in all weather conditions. Suitable for shady areas.
5. Accord is a perennial one meter tall. Grown as an annual. Inflorescence in the form of daisies, diameter five centimeters, white flower with a blue center. Flowering from June to late October.
6. Symphony cream – lemony, yellow petals with a narrow purple stripe.
7. Cool - resilient bushes up to half a meter with a rich covering of flowers up to ten centimeters.
8. Terry - flowers do not close when it gets dark.
9. Passion – pink and purple compact baskets up to five centimeters. Designed for growing in an apartment.
10. Pink curls are up to half a meter high, with corollas compressed in the middle.
11. Volta - the tongues have a smooth transition from lilac to white.
12. Yula - white, gray below, the peculiarity is the folded tongue along.