Osteospermum ‘Zion Pink Sun’, an African Daisy (Osteospermum ecklonis), is a popular choice for gardeners due to its striking and vibrant flower hues. Its eye-catching blooms make it a favored addition to garden beds and container plantings.
Unique Characteristics
The ‘Zion Pink Sun’ cultivar features captivating flower coloration, transitioning from yellow to pink, with hints of blue or purple. This unique bicolor effect, inspired by Zion National Park, creates dynamic visual interest. Its large, daisy-like flowers bloom prolifically, providing continuous color throughout much of the growing season. The plant grows with an upright, compact, and mounded habit, typically reaching 16 to 20 inches tall and 16 to 24 inches wide. Its green foliage provides a consistent backdrop for the abundant blooms.
Comprehensive Care
Light Needs
Osteospermum ‘Zion Pink Sun’ thrives in full sunlight, requiring at least six hours of direct sun daily for optimal growth and flowering. Adequate light encourages a dense habit and robust bloom production. Insufficient light leads to reduced flowering and straggly growth. Positioning the plant in the brightest available location maximizes its vibrant floral display.
Soil and Watering
This plant prefers well-draining soil that is moderately fertile and rich in organic matter. An ideal soil pH for Osteospermum ecklonis is slightly acidic to neutral, between 6.0 and 7.0. Proper drainage is important, as waterlogged conditions can lead to root rot.
Regular watering is beneficial; allow the soil to dry slightly between applications to prevent overwatering. Provide a thorough soaking when the top inch or two of soil feels dry. Once established, the plant demonstrates some drought tolerance, reducing the frequency of watering needed.
Temperature and Hardiness
Osteospermum ‘Zion Pink Sun’ is a tender perennial, often grown as an annual in cooler climates. It tolerates temperatures down to approximately 0°F (-17.8°C), making it suitable for perennial growth in USDA Zones 9 through 11. The plant withstands light frost but not prolonged freezing temperatures.
Flowering may slow or pause during extreme summer heat, as the plant blooms most profusely in spring and autumn when temperatures are milder. Optimal growing temperatures are 60-65°F during the day and 35-52°F at night.
Fertilizing and Pruning
For vigorous growth and continuous blooming, Osteospermum ‘Zion Pink Sun’ benefits from regular fertilization. Apply a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every four to six weeks during the active growing season. Avoid excessive fertilization, which can promote foliage growth over flower production.
Regular deadheading, removing spent flowers, encourages continuous new blooms. Pinching back young plants or pruning older foliage in early spring or autumn helps maintain a compact, bushy shape and prevents leggy growth. This strategic pruning enhances the plant’s appearance and vigor.
Propagation
Propagating Osteospermum ‘Zion Pink Sun’ is commonly achieved through softwood cuttings to maintain cultivar characteristics. The best time to take cuttings is spring or late summer, selecting non-flowering shoots 3 to 5 inches long.
Remove lower leaves and make a fresh cut just below a leaf node. Dipping the cut end into rooting hormone can enhance root development. Plant cuttings into a well-draining medium, such as a seed or cutting mix, keeping it consistently moist but not waterlogged. Rooting typically occurs within three to four weeks at around 70°F (21°C). Once roots form, pot young plants individually.
Common Problems and Solutions
Gardeners may encounter common issues when growing Osteospermum ‘Zion Pink Sun’, including pests and diseases. Aphids are frequent pests, often found on new growth; small infestations can be managed by spraying them off with water. Other potential pests include whiteflies, thrips, and spider mites, which can damage foliage and flowers.
Diseases such as root rot can occur from overwatering or poorly draining soil. Ensure excellent drainage and allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings to prevent this. Downy mildew, a fungal disease, appears in humid conditions or with limited air circulation; remove affected foliage and water at soil level to mitigate its spread. Verticillium wilt is a serious fungal disease causing wilting and dieback; affected plants must be removed as there is no cure.
Cultural issues can also affect the plant’s appearance and performance. Leggy growth, characterized by long, sparse stems, often results from insufficient light; correct this by providing more sun or pinching back stems to encourage bushier growth. A lack of blooms may indicate inadequate light, extreme heat, or a need for consistent deadheading. Yellowing leaves can signal nutrient deficiencies, overwatering, underwatering, pest infestations, or environmental stress. Addressing the specific cause is important for recovery.