Osteospermum ecklonis – Cape Daisy, African Daisy
- Hakan Sener
- May 4
- 2 min read
Explore Osteospermum ecklonis (Cape Daisy) – its characteristics, habitat, cultivation, propagation, and functional uses and benefits.
Osteospermum ecklonis | Botanical Characteristics
Common Names: Cape Daisy, African Daisy, Blue-eyed Daisy
Family: Asteraceae
Appearance: A spreading, evergreen subshrub or perennial with dark green lance-shaped leaves and large daisy-like flowers that range in color from white and pink to purple and blue, often with a distinctive blue center. Blooms profusely from spring through fall.
Type: Perennial
Evergreen / Deciduous: N/A
Layer: Herbaceous
Root System: Shallow, fibrous roots
Height: 0.3–0.6 meters
Width: 0.4–1 meter
Lifespan: Short to medium-lived perennial
Growth Rate: Fast
Fertility: Self-fertile
Flowers: Hermaphroditic
Pollinator: Attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators
Toxicity: Generally not toxic, but not recommended for ingestion
Osteospermum ecklonis | Habitat and Cultivation
Range
Native Range: South Africa
Companionship: Often grown with Mediterranean herbs, ornamental grasses, or low-growing shrubs; complements species like lavender and rosemary
Invasive Range: Not considered invasive
USDA Hardiness Zone: 9–11 (can be grown as an annual in cooler zones)
Minimum Chill Hours Required: None
Resistance/Tolerance
Poor Soil: Moderate tolerance
Drought: Moderate tolerance once established
Shade: Moderate tolerance (best flowering in full sun)
Flood: Low tolerance
Wind: Moderate tolerance
Maritime: Good tolerance
Air Pollution: Moderate tolerance
Fire: Low tolerance
Thriving Conditions
Sun Exposure: Prefers full sun
Soil Moisture: Prefers well-drained soil; drought-tolerant once established
Soil Type: Sandy, loamy, or rocky soils
Soil pH: Prefers neutral to slightly acidic (6.0–7.0)
Propagation
Seeds: Can be grown from seed but cultivars may not come true
Cuttings: Easily propagated from softwood cuttings taken in spring or summer
Osteospermum ecklonis | Functional Uses and Benefits
Edible: Not considered edible
Medicinal: No significant known medicinal uses
Cosmetics: No known cosmetic use
Animal Feed: Not suitable
Fiber: Not applicable
Timber: Not applicable
Firewood: Not applicable
Wind Break: Not suitable
Fence: Not suitable
Cover Crop: Not used as a cover crop
Mulch: Not typically used as mulch
Nitrogen Fixer: No
Dynamic Accumulator: No significant data available
Pollinator Attractor: Very attractive to bees and butterflies
Pest Repellent: Not noted as a pest repellent
Wildlife Supporter: Supports pollinators; limited use to other wildlife
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