Osteospermum ‘White Purple Eye’, commonly known as African Daisy or Cape Daisy, offers striking visual appeal in gardens. It has pristine white petals surrounding a deep purple or blue eye, often with a magenta ring. Its vibrant, daisy-like blooms and compact growth make it popular for continuous floral displays.
Planting and Growing Conditions
Proper site selection and soil preparation are key for establishment. Full sunlight, ideally six to eight hours daily, promotes optimal blooming and prevents leggy growth. Partial shade is tolerated in hotter climates, but reduced light results in fewer flowers.
Well-draining soil is important. It thrives in various soil types, including sandy or loamy conditions. Avoid waterlogged areas, as soggy soil leads to root issues. Amending heavy clay soils with organic matter, like compost, improves drainage and aeration.
Ensure proper spacing for air circulation and growth. They typically reach 18 inches in height and spread; space them about 14 inches apart for mass plantings. After transplanting, an initial watering helps settle the soil and encourages establishment. A soil pH of 6.0-7.0 is preferred.
It is a tender perennial, returning year after year in warmer climates (USDA hardiness zones 8 to 11). In colder regions (zones 7 and below), it is grown as an annual, as it will not survive prolonged freezing temperatures. An initial application of balanced, slow-release fertilizer provides essential nutrients.
Ongoing Care and Maintenance
Consistent watering benefits established plants during dry periods. While they appreciate evenly moist conditions, avoid overwatering to prevent root problems. Container plants require more frequent watering. Once established, they exhibit some drought tolerance, but supplemental watering during extended heat or drought improves bloom quality.
Deadheading encourages continuous flowering. Removing faded flowers redirects energy from seed production to new buds, leading to a prolonged and abundant display. Snip off faded flower heads where they meet the stem.
Light pruning helps maintain shape and promotes bushier growth, preventing legginess. This can be done in early spring or late autumn, cutting stems to about half their height while ensuring some leaf clusters remain.
Routine fertilization supports vigorous growth and flowering. During the active growing season, apply a liquid fertilizer every two to three weeks with higher phosphorus to encourage blooming. For container plants, a diluted liquid feed every one to two weeks is recommended.
It is generally resilient, but occasional issues with pests like aphids or whiteflies may arise. These can be managed with insecticidal soap if caught early. Good air circulation helps prevent fungal diseases like downy mildew in humid conditions. In colder climates, plants die back with the first hard frost. To overwinter in borderline hardiness zones, take cuttings in late summer or move potted plants to a sheltered, frost-free location.
Troubleshooting and Common Questions
Lack of blooms stems from several factors. Insufficient sunlight is a common reason, as plants require ample direct sun. If not deadheaded, plants may cease blooming as energy is diverted to seed production. An imbalance in nutrients, such as too much nitrogen, can also suppress blooming.
Yellowing or browning leaves signal watering issues. Overwatering can lead to root rot, causing leaves to yellow and wilt; underwatering results in browning and crispy foliage. Check soil moisture before watering, ensuring it is moist but not waterlogged. Nutrient deficiencies can manifest as discolored leaves.
Leggy growth, characterized by long, sparse stems, occurs if the plant lacks light or needs pruning. Providing full sun and regularly pinching back stems or performing a substantial trim encourages a bushier, more compact habit.
It is a versatile plant for garden applications. Its mounded form and continuous blooms make it suitable for mass plantings or as an edging plant. It performs well in containers and hanging baskets. The flowers are excellent for cutting, bringing their beauty indoors for floral arrangements.