Overview: Osteospermum hispidum Harv. var. viride Norl.
Osteospermum hispidum Harv. var. viride Norl. is a species of flowering plant in the family Asteraceae. It is native to Southern Africa's Cape Province.
Common Names:
This plant is commonly known as Green Yellow-eyed Daisy and Snotrosie.
Description:
Osteospermum hispidum Harv. var. viride Norl. is a small, low-growing shrub with a maximum height of 30cm. The plant has woody stems and long, narrow leaves that are covered in hairs.
The flowers of this plant are unique and beautiful. They have bright yellow centers that contrast with the pale green outer petals. The flowers bloom from late winter to early summer, and each plant can produce many flowers at a time.
Uses:
This plant is used for ornamental purposes mainly in rock gardens or border planting. Its ability to thrive in dry soil has made it a popular choice for xeriscaping, which refers to landscaping that requires little or no irrigation. Some cultures use this plant for its medicinal values.
In conclusion, Osteospermum hispidum Harv. var. viride Norl. is a beautiful and unique plant with many uses. Its natural beauty will complement any landscape or garden, even with minimal care.
Light Requirements
The Osteospermum hispidum Harv. var. viride Norl. cultivar requires full sun to grow to its full potential. It can tolerate partial shade, but it is best to place it in an area exposed to sunlight for at least six hours a day. The plant will not flower properly in shady environments.
Temperature Requirements
The Osteospermum hispidum Harv. var. viride Norl is a hardy plant that can survive in a range of temperatures. However, the plant thrives in warm temperatures between 18°C to 27°C (65°F to 80°F). Ensure that the plant is protected from temperatures below 10°C (50°F) as it may damage the plant or even kill it.
Soil Requirements
The Osteospermum hispidum Harv. var. viride Norl. cultivar prefers well-drained soil with a neutral pH level between 6.0 and 7.5. The soil should be rich in organic matter, and it should not be too wet. Fertilize the plant every two weeks during the growing season with liquid fertilizer, or sprinkle granular fertilizer around the plant and water it in generously. This will provide the plant with the necessary nutrients to grow and bloom correctly.
Cultivation of Osteospermum hispidum Harv. var. viride Norl.
To cultivate Osteospermum hispidum Harv. var. viride Norl., you must first select a well-draining spot with full sun exposure. The plant prefers sandy or loamy soil with a slightly acidic pH (around 6.0-6.5), but it can grow in a wide range of soils, as long as they have adequate drainage. After selecting a spot, prepare the soil by tilling or digging it up and adding some compost or organic matter to enrich it further. This can improve the soil's ability to hold water and nutrients and enhance plant growth.
Watering Needs of Osteospermum hispidum Harv. var. viride Norl.
It is important to water Osteospermum hispidum Harv. var. viride Norl. regularly but avoid overwatering as it can lead to root rot. The plant needs water to establish and grow, especially during hot and dry periods. Provide water when the soil feels dry to the touch, but do not soak it. Water at the base of the plant, avoiding wetting the leaves to prevent fungal diseases.
Fertilization of Osteospermum hispidum Harv. var. viride Norl.
To support healthy growth and flowering, fertilize Osteospermum hispidum Harv. var. viride Norl. with a balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) every 4-6 weeks during the growing season (spring-summer). You can also add a phosphorus-rich fertilizer (5-10-10) when planting to encourage root growth and flower production. Make sure to follow the package instructions and avoid over-fertilizing as it can damage the plant.
Pruning of Osteospermum hispidum Harv. var. viride Norl.
To promote bushier growth and prolong flowering, prune Osteospermum hispidum Harv. var. viride Norl. regularly. Pinch or cut back the soft tips of the plant to encourage branching and remove any dead or wilted flowers to stimulate new growth. You can prune the plant in late summer to maintain its shape and size. Discard any pruned or dead plant material to prevent the spread of diseases.
Propagation of Osteospermum hispidum Harv. var. viride Norl.
Osteospermum hispidum Harv. var. viride Norl. can be propagated by different methods including:
Seed Propagation
The propagation of Osteospermum hispidum Harv. var. viride Norl. by seeds is straightforward. Sow the seeds during spring, and the seeds will germinate within 3-4 weeks. However, the germination rate may vary depending on the seed quality, temperature, and other environmental factors. Once the seeds have germinated, thin out the seedlings and transplant them to pots or garden beds with well-draining soil.
Cuttings Propagation
Osteospermum hispidum Harv. var. viride Norl. can also be propagated by stem cuttings. Use a sharp, sterile blade to cut 6-8 cm long stems from a healthy plant. Remove the leaves from the bottom half of the cutting, leaving the top leaves intact. Dip the bottom of the cutting in rooting hormone, then plant it in a pot with well-draining soil. Keep the soil moist and place the pot in a warm, bright location but out of direct sunlight. The cuttings should root within 4-6 weeks. Once the roots have developed, transplant the cuttings to larger pots or garden beds.
Division Propagation
Osteospermum hispidum Harv. var. viride Norl. can also be propagated through division. During the early spring, dig up a mature plant and cut the root ball into several sections with a sharp, sterile blade. Each section should have several stems and a healthy root system. Ensure the cutters are sterile to avoid introducing diseases to the plant. Transplant each section into a pot or garden bed with well-draining soil and water them adequately.
Disease Management
The Osteospermum hispidum Harv. var. viride Norl. plant is relatively disease-resistant, but some diseases may still affect it. Here are some of the common diseases that may affect the plant:
- Gray mold: Also known as botrytis, gray mold can cause grayish-brown mold to form on the plant's leaves, flowers, and stem. To manage it, remove infected plant parts and avoid over-watering the plant.
- Powdery mildew: Powdery mildew presents as a white, powdery substance that appears on the plant's leaves, flowers, and shoot tips. To manage it, prune away infected plant parts and improve air circulation around the plant.
- Crown rot: Crown rot is a fungal disease that can cause the plant to turn brown and decay. To manage it, avoid over-watering the plant and remove infected plant parts.
Using disease-resistant cultivars and avoiding over-fertilization can help prevent diseases too.
Pest Management
The Osteospermum hispidum Harv. var. viride Norl. plant can attract some pests. Here are some of the common ones:
- Spider mites: Spider mites can cause yellowing leaves on the plant and the presence of webs. To manage them, spray the plant with water or insecticidal soap.
- Aphids: Aphids can cause distorted growth on the plant and honeydew (sticky liquid) on the leaves. To manage them, release natural predators like ladybugs or use insecticidal soap.
- Whiteflies: Whiteflies cause yellowing leaves and a sticky substance on the plant. To manage them, use sticky traps or insecticidal soap.
Regularly inspecting and cleaning the plant and improving air circulation around it can help prevent pests too.
