Ursinia spp.

paraseeds

Attracts Pollinators Attracts Butterflies Drought Tolerant Container Friendly

HardinessZones 9–11

Overview

Ursinia spp. is a genus of about 40 annuals, perennials, and small subshrubs in the daisy family (Asteraceae), native chiefly to South Africa, with a few species reaching tropical East Africa. Plants range from compact, mounded annuals 6-12 inches (15-30 cm) tall to woody-based perennials and subshrubs reaching 24 inches (60 cm), generally as wide as tall. The leaves are finely divided into narrow, almost ferny segments, often aromatic when bruised, and mostly crowded toward the base. Solitary daisy flower heads 1-2.5 inches (2.5-6 cm) across are carried on slender stalks in orange, yellow, cream, or white, frequently with a contrasting dark ring around the central disc and a metallic sheen on the petal backs. The flowers open in sun and close in dull weather. Seeds carry papery, parachute-like scales that aid wind dispersal and give the plants the common name parachute daisy. The genus grows on sandy, fast-draining soils in open, sunny habitats and tolerates heat and drought. Most species are frost-tender and short-lived, and the annual kinds are grown as warm-season bedding from seed sown each year.

Native Range

Native mainly to South Africa, especially the winter-rainfall Cape and Karoo, with a few species in tropical East Africa, on sandy flats and open, stony slopes.

Suggested Uses

Grown as warm-season bedding and in containers, gravel gardens, and dry sunny borders for bright daisy color. The genus suits Mediterranean and coastal plantings and combines with other South African annuals. Cut flowers last a few days in water.

How to Identify

Recognized by finely dissected, ferny foliage and solitary daisy heads in warm oranges and yellows, often with a dark ring around the center. The petal backs frequently carry a coppery or metallic sheen, and the flowers close in cloudy weather. Ripe seeds bear papery, scale-like parachutes.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height6" - 2'

Width/Spread8" - 1'6"

Colors

Flower Colors

Foliage Colors

Fall Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~10 weeks

Spring Summer

Flowers from late spring through summer, roughly May to September, with each head lasting several days. Plants bloom most heavily in warm, sunny spells and pause in dull, wet weather. Bees and butterflies visit the open heads.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

orange, yellow, cream, or white with a dark ring

Foliage Description

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

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Low

Frost Tolerance

tender

Time to Maturity

Flowers within the first year from seed.

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Grows in full sun on light, sharply drained sandy soil with a pH near 6.0-7.5. Established plants are drought tolerant and need little water beyond dry spells. Rich or wet soil produces soft growth and few flowers, and waterlogging in winter rots the roots of perennial species. Seed is sown indoors about 6 weeks before the last frost or direct-sown once the soil warms. Removing faded heads prolongs flowering through the season. No feeding is needed on average soils.

Pruning

Faded flower heads are removed regularly to extend bloom and limit self-sowing. Annual plants are pulled at the end of the season once they decline. Subshrubby perennials are trimmed lightly in spring to remove old flowering stems.

Pruning Schedule

summer

Container Growing

✓ Suitable for container growing

Minimum container size: 2 gallons

✓ Toxicity

Non-toxic

Planting Guide

Planting Methods & Timing

Planting Method

both

Indoor Start

6 weeks before last frost

Direct Sow Timing

after the last frost when soil is warm

Days to Maturity

70–100 days

Plant Spacing

10 inches

Annual