African daisies (Osteospermum) add bold color and charm to any garden. Learn how to plant, grow, and care for these vibrant, sun-loving flowers to enjoy brilliant blooms all season. Osteospermum, commonly known as African daisy, Cape daisy, or blue-eyed daisy, is a genus of flowering plants in the family Asteraceae, which also includes sunflowers, daisies, and asters.

Understanding the Context

These plants are native to South Africa and are prized for their attractive, daisy-like flowers. Osteospermum is a perennial flower that can survive winter in regions with mild climates. The more sun, and the better it’s protected from cold, the higher the chance of keeping them year after year. Osteospermum is a relatively recent addition to the gardening world and has only been available in the trade since the early 1990s.

Key Insights

With their cheerful, daisy-like blossoms, osteospermums were an instant hit. How to Grow and Care for Osteospermum - Better Homes & Gardens African daisies (Osteospermum spp.) look a lot like common daisies, with petals radiating around a center disk. They are even members of the Asteraceae family, along with Shasta daisies and zinnias. African Daisies (Osteospermum): How to Grow and Care for These Colorful ... Osteospermum is an annual and, like most annuals, it enjoys extra fertilizer.

Final Thoughts

But the nice thing about African daisies is that they are one of the few annuals that will still bloom for you if they are planted in poor soil.