Overview of Osteospermum bolusii (Compton) Norl.
Osteospermum bolusii (Compton) Norl. is a perennial herbaceous plant. It is part of the Asteraceae family and is native to South Africa. This plant is commonly known as the Pink-tinged Cape-daisy.
Appearance of Osteospermum bolusii (Compton) Norl.
The Pink-tinged Cape-daisy is a compact and mat-forming plant that can grow up to 15 cm tall and 20 cm wide. The plant has succulent leaves that are ovate with toothed margins and covered in fine hairs. The leaves can grow up to 5 cm long and 2.5 cm wide. The flower heads are daisy-like with a noticeable disc and rays that are white with pink or purple tinges. Each flower head is about 2.5 cm in diameter.
Uses of Osteospermum bolusii (Compton) Norl.
Osteospermum bolusii (Compton) Norl. is a popular ornamental plant. It is often used to add colour to gardens, flower beds, and containers. This plant prefers full sun exposure and well-drained soils. The Pink-tinged Cape-daisy is a drought-tolerant plant and does not require a lot of water. It blooms from early spring to late autumn, and it is also known to attract butterflies and bees.
Light Requirements
Osteospermum bolusii requires full sunlight to grow. Planting in a location that receives 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day is optimal.
Temperature Requirements
Osteospermum bolusii is native to South Africa and prefers warm temperatures. The plant can tolerate temperatures as low as 50°F (10°C) but grows best in temperatures between 68°F to 86°F (20°C to 30°C).
Soil Requirements
Osteospermum bolusii prefers well-draining soils that are slightly acidic to neutral in pH. The ideal pH range for the soil is between 6.0 to 7.0. The plant can also tolerate sandy, loamy and clay soils. The soil should be rich in organic matter and have good water holding capacity to avoid water stress on the plant.
Cultivation of Osteospermum bolusii
Osteospermum bolusii is an easy-to-grow plant that does well in containers, rock gardens, and borders. It requires minimal maintenance and is perfect for beginners.
The plant prefers well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5. Be sure to plant it in full sun for optimal growth.
The best time to plant Osteospermum bolusii is in the spring or early summer. The plant grows quickly, and you'll see blooms in as little as six weeks after planting.
Watering Needs
Osteospermum bolusii needs regular watering, especially during dry periods. The soil should be moist, not waterlogged.
It is best to water the plants early in the day to avoid evaporation and allow the leaves to dry before the evening dew sets in. Avoid watering the plant from above; instead, water it at the base to prevent diseases from developing.
Fertilization
To promote healthy growth and abundant blooms, fertilize the Osteospermum bolusii once a month with a balanced fertilizer. Be sure to follow the instructions on the package to avoid over-fertilizing, which can damage the plant.
Pruning
Prune Osteospermum bolusii to encourage bushy growth and more blooms. Pinch back the tips of the stems to a pair of leaves to promote branching. Deadhead or remove spent blooms to extend the flowering season.
It is best to do any major pruning in the late winter or early spring before new growth begins to allow the plant time to recover and produce new growth and blooms at the start of the growing season.
Propagation of Osteospermum Bolusii (Compton) Norl.
Osteospermum bolusii can be propagated from seeds, stem cuttings and division.
Propagation from Seeds
Seeds of Osteospermum bolusii can be sown indoors in the early spring or late winter. The ideal temperature for sowing is 20-22°C. The seeds take about 2-3 weeks to germinate. After germination, the seedlings can be transplanted to individual pots or to the desired location in a garden. It takes about 3-4 months for the seedlings to mature and start flowering.
Propagation from Stem Cuttings
Stem cuttings of Osteospermum bolusii can be taken in early summer, when the plants are actively growing. Select healthy stems, about 10 cm long, and remove the leaves from the lower half of the stem. Dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone and plant it in well-draining soil. Keep the soil moist and the cutting in partial shade until roots form. Once the roots have developed, transplant the cutting to the desired location in the garden.
Propagation by Division
Osteospermum bolusii can be propagated by dividing mature plants in the early spring. Dig up the plant and gently separate the root ball into smaller sections, making sure each section has roots and shoots. Replant each section in well-draining soil and keep the soil moist until new growth appears.
Disease Management
Osteospermum bolusii is susceptible to various diseases, including bacterial wilt, powdery mildew, leaf and stem spot, and root rot. For bacterial wilt, remove and dispose of infected plants immediately. Treat the remaining plants with copper fungicides to prevent further spread. Powdery mildew can be controlled using fungicides such as sulfur or potassium bicarbonate. For leaf and stem spots, clean up the infected areas and apply fungicides as directed. Root rot can be avoided by ensuring proper drainage and not over-watering the plant.
Pest Management
The most common pests that can affect Osteospermum bolusii are aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies. These pests can cause significant damage to the plant and reduce its growth and flowering. To control aphids, spray the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Spider mites can be removed by washing the plant with a strong jet of water. Alternatively, using insecticidal soap or neem oil can also help to keep spider mites at bay. Whiteflies can be controlled using yellow sticky traps as well as insecticidal soap or neem oil.
