Cape daisy (osteospermum) Dimorphotheca ecklonis
Cape daisy (osteospermum) (Dimorphotheca ecklonis) is an evergreen perennial flowering plant in the Asteraceae family, native to Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal coast, South Africa. It grows 40–90 cm (16–35 in) tall and 50–90 cm (20–35 in) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about -5 °C (23 °F). Space plants about 50 cm (20 in) apart.
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Cape daisy (osteospermum) at a glance
| Type | Perennial flowering plant, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Mature height | 40–90 cm (16–35 in) |
| Mature spread | 50–90 cm (20–35 in) |
| Spacing | 50 cm (20 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 6–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -5 °C (23 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 9) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 34 °C (93 °F) |
| Flowering | from about April for 17–34 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Moderate |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal coast, South Africa |
| Common in gardens of | 🇿🇦 South Africa, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇦🇺 Australia |
Is Cape daisy (osteospermum) toxic?
- People: not well documented
- Cats: not well documented
- Dogs: not well documented
Toxicity is not well documented; not listed as a significant poison.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Cape daisy (osteospermum)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and low water.
Questions about Cape daisy (osteospermum)
- How far apart should I plant Cape daisy (osteospermum)?
- About 50 cm (20 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 50–90 cm (20–35 in).
- Does Cape daisy (osteospermum) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Cape daisy (osteospermum) need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Cape daisy (osteospermum)?
- It tolerates about -5 °C (23 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 9.
- When does Cape daisy (osteospermum) flower?
- From about April for 17–34 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Cape daisy (osteospermum) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not well documented; for dogs not well documented; for people not well documented. Toxicity is not well documented; not listed as a significant poison.
- What grows well with Cape daisy (osteospermum)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Cape daisy (osteospermum). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade C (C: plausible, mixed evidence).
- PlantZAfrica, South African National Biodiversity Institute
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
Notes and assumptions
- Typical garden-form values; cultivars and local conditions differ.
- Tender subshrub, grown as an annual or short-lived perennial where frosts are hard; flowers pause in midsummer heat and close at dusk and in shade.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
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