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Plant Guide

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Arctotis stoechadifolia

  • Common Name
    African Daisy
  • CA Native
    Non-native
  • Plant Type
    Perennial
  • Size
    1' x 2'
  • Flower Color
    Yellow, Rosy Pink, Pale Orange
  • Bloom Time
    • Fall
    • Spring
    • Spring through Fall
  • Leaves
    Silvery, Velvet Gray
  • Evergreen
    Deciduous
  • Deer Resistant
    Seldom Damaged
  • Wildlife Value
    • Butterfly & Other Insect Nectar
  • Growth Rate
    Fast
  • Hardiness
    Semi-hardy
  • Adverse Growth Factors
    Invasive
  • Special Features
    • Low Maintenance
    • Showy Flowers
  • Water Use
    • Low
  • Soil pH
    N / A
  • Exposure
    • Full Sun
  • Soil Type
    Not Particular
  • Drainage
    Good Drainage
  • Description and Cultural Plant Tips

    Arctotis are tough, fast growing perennials with a showy, daisy-like flower above fuzzy, silver grey foliage. They are often used as a ground cover or perennial border edge.Colors range from pale yellow to pinks and oranges. The flowers only open in sunlight & start to curve down when going to seed.   These plants  thrives in hot sunny conditions and are adapted to a Mediterranean climate so they need very little water in summer. Will bloom in winter in frost free areas of Marin.  Some companion plants include Nepata 'Walkers Low', Salvai nemorosa varietals, Rudbeckia fulgida 'Goldstrum', English lavenders, and Limonium sunuatum.

    Plant in native, well drained soils that have been enriched by compost.  Water well and mulch to retain soil moisture & reduce weed development.  Bases of plant become woody with age so cut back by half after blooming to encourage new growth. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage longer blooming period.

    Bees and butterflies frequent the daisy-like flowers of Arctotis.

    No serious diseases or pests other than aphids. Can develop aphid infestations if watered too much.

  • Master Gardener Comments

    I use this as an annual but it will overwinter in Marin Co. Produces lovely masses of flowers from spring through fall. Looks lovely at the beginning of a border.

  • Varietals

    Acrtotis 'Sun Spot ' - tangerine orange flowers

    Acrtotis 'Big Magenta' - magenta flowers

    Acrtotis 'Big Gold' - bright yellow flowers

    Acrtotis 'Pumpkin Pie' - deep orange flowers