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Asteraceae
Cape Daisy
Osteospermum ecklonis
Cheer, patience, optimism.
- Family
- Asteraceae
- Genus
- Osteospermum
- Native to
- South Africa
- Bloom season
- Spring, Summer
- Type
- Tender perennial
- Height
- 30–60 cm
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil
- Well-drained
- Water
- Low to moderate
- Hardiness
- 9–11; annual elsewhere
- Lifespan
- Perennial in mild climates
Did you know
- Some cape daisies have spoon-shaped petals that pinch in toward the center, creating a striking look unlike any other daisy.
- The genus name combines Greek osteon (bone) and Latin sperma (seed), referring to the hard, bone-like seeds.
- Cape daisies close their flowers at night and on overcast days to protect their pollen from dew and rain.
- Modern hybrids bloom continuously from spring through fall and come in shocking colors — electric purple, sunset pink, and even striped patterns.
- They're one of the most heat- and drought-tolerant daisies, thriving in conditions that would shrivel most flowers.
Color meanings
Purple
Quiet patience