Dimorphotheca, Genus, spp., Multiple species,
- Genus
- Multiple species
Afro-Australian daisies
SunFull Sun
Overview
Dimorphotheca is a genus of about 20 species of annual and perennial herbs and subshrubs in the family Asteraceae, native to southern Africa, mainly South Africa and Namibia. Plants form low, branching mounds 4 to 16 inches (10 to 40 cm) tall, with narrow, sometimes toothed or lobed leaves that are often slightly sticky or aromatic. The daisy-like heads, 1.5 to 3 inches (4 to 8 cm) across, have a central disc ringed by a single row of ray florets in white, cream, yellow, orange, or pink, frequently with a darker disc and a metallic blue or purple sheen at the petal base. The heads open in sunshine and close in the evening and in dull weather. The genus is named for its two seed types, the disc and ray florets producing differently shaped seeds. D. sinuata and D. pluvialis are grown as fast annuals for spring and summer colour. Most species flower heavily in cool, bright conditions and slow in heat. They grow on sandy, sharply drained soils and are adapted to a dry-summer climate, tolerating drought but not wet, heavy ground.
Native Range
Native to southern Africa, chiefly South Africa and Namibia, where most species grow in winter-rainfall regions with dry summers. A few extend into neighbouring parts of southern Africa.Suggested Uses
Grown as annual bedding, in gravel and coastal gardens, in containers, and for early-season colour in dry borders. The daylight-opening flowers suit sunny patios and rockeries. D. sinuata is used in wildflower and meadow seed mixes in warm regions.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height4" - 1'4"
Width/Spread8" - 1'6"
Bloom Information
Flowering occurs mainly from late winter through spring and into early summer, roughly February to June depending on climate. The heads open by day and close at night, lasting several weeks as a mass display. In cool-summer areas flowering can continue longer.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
white, cream, yellow, orange, or pink with a darker centreFoliage Description
green to grey-greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-12 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
Water & Climate
Water Needs
Drought Tolerance
Drought tolerant when established
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Dimorphotheca species grow in full sun on light, sandy, sharply drained soil and tolerate poor, dry ground once established. They are adapted to dry summers and decline in wet, heavy, or shaded conditions. Soil pH from 6.0 to 7.5 suits the genus. Annual species are sown where they are to flower, as they transplant poorly, and reach flowering size within a few months. Heat and humidity shorten the flowering season and can bring on fungal problems.Pruning
Pruning is limited for the annual species; removal of faded heads prolongs the display and limits self-seeding. Shrubby and perennial kinds are trimmed lightly after flowering to keep them compact. Cut-back plants in mild climates often produce a further flush.Container Growing
Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 1 gallons
Toxicity
Non-toxicPlanting Guide
Planting Methods & Timing
Planting Method
direct sow
Direct Sow Timing
After the last frost in spring, or in autumn in mild-winter regions
Days to Maturity
60–90 days
Plant Spacing
8 inches
