Plant Guide

Osteospermum 'Sparkler'

• Common Name

  African Daisy
• CA Native

  Non-native
• Plant Type

  Ground Cover
• Size

  1' x 2'
• Flower Color

  White and Purple
• Bloom Time

  • Fall
  • Spring
  • Spring through Fall
• Leaves

  Medium Green
• Evergreen

  Evergreen
• Deer Resistant

  Rarely Damaged
• Wildlife Value

  • Bees
• Growth Rate

  Fast
• Hardiness

  Semi-hardy
• Adverse Growth Factors

  None
• Special Features

  • Showy Flowers
• Water Use

  • Low
  • Moderate
• Soil pH

  5.5-6.4 (acid)
• Exposure

  • Full Sun
  • Partial Shade
  • Shade
• Soil Type

  Loam
• Drainage

  Good Drainage
• Description and Cultural Plant Tips

  Osteospermum is spreading, mounding, tender perennial with a prolific display of daisy-like flowers in the spring and summer. The flowers open only in sunlight and close up at night. May die in those parts of Marin that get heavy frosts.

  Plant in full sun in an area with good drainage. Place plants no deeper than the container that they came in. Add a light application of organic fertilizer to the planting hole. If you have clay soil consider adding a compost to the hole to improve the drainage. Set the plants 9 - 12 inches apart. Water well and mulch around the plants. Do not get mulch on top of plant. Water well for two weeks to encourage root development. Plants look best with regular water but will survive on less when established. Tip pinch young plants to encourage bushiness. Remove wilted flowers to prolong flowering. Prune old branches in the early spring to encourage new growth. Pruning after blooming will also encourage a second repeat bloom.

  Aphids, earwigs and slugs may cause problems in some areas. Check the UC IPM for treatment options. Verticillium Wilt can be a problem in poorly drained soils.

   

   

• Master Gardener Comments

  N / A
• Varietals

  N / A