Arctotis spp.

African daisies

Attracts Pollinators Attracts Butterflies Deer Resistant Drought Tolerant Container Friendly

HardinessZones 9–11

Overview

Arctotis spp. is a genus of about 70 species of annual and perennial herbs in the daisy family, native to southern Africa. Plants form low rosettes or spreading mounds of lobed leaves that are usually grey-green and covered in soft white woolly hairs, giving the foliage a silvery cast. Solitary daisy flower heads 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 cm) across rise on slender stalks above the leaves in orange, yellow, white, pink, red, and cream, very often with a dark ring or steel-blue center. The flower heads close in the evening and on overcast days, opening again in sun. Many species and the garden hybrids bloom over a long season from late spring into fall. The genus needs full sun and sharp drainage and is frost-tender, performing as a short-lived perennial in mild climates and grown as an annual where winters are cold. Flowers stay closed in dull weather, limiting the display on cloudy days.

Native Range

Arctotis spp. is native to southern Africa, with most species concentrated in South Africa and a few extending into Namibia and southern Angola. The genus grows on sandy flats, rocky slopes, and disturbed ground, largely in the winter-rainfall regions of the Cape. Several species colonize bare and disturbed sand.

Suggested Uses

Grown in sunny borders, gravel and coastal gardens, containers, and as temporary summer bedding in cold-winter areas. Low spreading types are used as a seasonal groundcover on dry banks. Plants are spaced 12 inches (30 cm) apart in drifts for massed color.

How to Identify

Identified by lobed, grey-green leaves clothed in white woolly hairs and by solitary, long-stalked daisy heads that close at night and in cloud. The ray florets often have a contrasting dark or blue-black band toward the center surrounding a dark disc. The woolly silver foliage and night-closing flowers separate Arctotis spp. from related African daisies such as Gazania spp. and Osteospermum spp..

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height6" - 2'

Width/Spread1' - 1'6"

Colors

Flower Colors

red

Foliage Colors

Fall Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~12 weeks

Spring Summer Fall

Flowering runs over a long season from late spring into fall, broadly May to October, and nearly year-round in frost-free climates. Each flower head lasts several days, opening in morning sun and closing by late afternoon and in overcast weather. Removing faded heads keeps new flowers coming.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

orange, yellow, white, pink, red, and cream, often with a dark center

Foliage Description

grey-green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunFull Sun

Requires 6-10 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.0 - 7.5(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

sand loam

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Low

Frost Tolerance

tender

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Plants grow in full sun and light, sharply drained sandy or loam soil, and tolerate heat, wind, and coastal salt once established. Watering is needed only in prolonged drought, as wet or heavy soil leads to root and crown rot. The genus is frost-tender; perennial species are short-lived and are often replaced every few years, while in cold regions plants are grown as annuals from seed or cuttings. Pinching young plants produces bushier growth and more flowers. Aphids and downy mildew appear in damp or crowded conditions.

Pruning

Pruning is limited to deadheading spent flowers to extend bloom and shearing leggy plants by about one-third in midseason to renew growth. Frost-killed or tired plants are pulled and replaced. No woody pruning applies.