Dimorphotheca spp.

Afro-Australian daisies

Attracts Pollinators Attracts Butterflies Drought Tolerant Container Friendly

Overview

Dimorphotheca spp. 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

Recognized by daisy heads with a single ring of ray florets in white, orange, or pink, often with a darker, blue-sheened centre, that close in the evening and in cloud. The leaves are narrow and sometimes sticky or scented. The genus produces two distinct seed shapes from the disc and ray florets.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height4" - 1'4"

Width/Spread8" - 1'6"

Colors

Flower Colors

Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~10 weeks

Winter Spring Summer

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 centre

Foliage Description

green to grey-green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunFull Sun

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

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.0 - 7.5(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

sand loam rocky

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Low

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Dimorphotheca spp. 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-toxic

Planting 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

Annual