Arctotis

African Daisy
Asteraceae (Compositae)
Annuals, Ground covers, Perennials, Flowers

The name “African daisy“ can refer to any of several plants from southern Africa, and identities are often confused, even by many seed companies and nurseries. Arctotis species have lobed leaves that are rough, hairy, or woolly; their flower heads usually have a contrasting ring of color around the central eye. Dimorphotheca species (commonly used for mass color in winter) have smooth green foliage, blooms that are white or in the yellow–orange–salmon range. Trailing ground cover African daisies and woody, shrubby white,yellow, or purple African daisies are Osteospermum.

In cold-winter areas, set out annuals (or perennials that are grown as annuals) in spring for summer bloom. Where winters are mild, plant in fall or winter for bloom from spring into early summer. These plants suffer in extreme heat and humidity.

 

Arctotis acaulis

Perennial in Zones 5–9, 14–24; annual anywhere. Spreading, stemless clumps of leaves to 1 ft. high. Yellow, 3 1/2 in. wide flower heads with purplish black centers.

'Bumble Bee™'

Bright yellow daisy flowers rise above dense, silvery green foliage. The compact, upright habit looks good in containers or garden borders, and the plentiful blooms are sure to attract butterflies. Deer resistant. From the Sunset Western Garden Collection.

'Cherry Frost™'

Deep red daisy flowers rise above dense, silvery green foliage. The compact, upright habit looks good in containers or gardens and the plentiful blooms are sure to attract butterflies. Deer resistant. From the Sunset Western Garden Collection.

'Hearts & Tarts™'

'Pink Sugar™'

Daisy flowers in the sunset hues of pink, orange and yellow rise above dense, silvery green foliage. The compact, upright habit looks good in containers or gardens, and the plentiful blooms are sure to attract butterflies. Deer resistant. From the Sunset Western Garden Collection.