Origin
Osteospermum pinnatum (Thunb.) Norl. var. breve Norl., also known as Cape Daisy, is a flowering plant that is native to South Africa.
Common Names
Cape Daisy is also known as African Daisy, Blue-eyed Daisy, and Blue-and-White Daisy.
Uses
Cape Daisy is a popular ornamental plant in gardens and landscapes. It is valued for its attractive, daisy-like flowers that bloom in shades of white, purple, pink, and yellow. The flowers appear in spring and summer and are held on long stems above the foliage.
In addition to its ornamental uses, Cape Daisy has some medicinal properties. Traditional healers in South Africa have used the plant to treat a range of ailments, including sore throats, coughs, and infections.
General Appearance
Cape Daisy is a low-growing, spreading perennial that typically reaches a height of 20-30cm. The leaves are shiny and dark green, and have a distinct pinnate shape. The flowers are large and showy, with a typical daisy shape. Each flower has a central disk surrounded by about 10-20 ligulate petals.
Light Requirements
Osteospermum pinnatum (Thunb.) Norl. var. breve Norl. requires full sun exposure to grow properly. They prefer at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day for optimum growth and blooming. This plant performs best in bright light and hot temperatures and will not do well if shaded for most of the day.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature for Osteospermum pinnatum (Thunb.) Norl. var. breve Norl. ranges between 20 and 30 °C (68 and 86 °F). It prefers warmer days and cooler nights and is tolerant to heat and humidity. It is not frost-tolerant and should be protected from freezing temperatures.
Soil Requirements
Osteospermum pinnatum (Thunb.) Norl. var. breve Norl. prefers well-draining soil with a pH range of 6.5 to 7.5. It can grow well in sandy, loamy, or clay soils as long as proper drainage is provided. It requires regular watering to maintain healthy growth and blooming.
Cultivation Methods
Osteospermum pinnatum (Thunb.) Norl. var. breve Norl. is a low-maintenance plant that can thrive well in well-drained soils, dry or damp, as long as they are nutrient-rich. The plant is quite tolerant of colder climates, and it is usually grown using both seeds and cuttings. For seeds, plant them indoors in early spring, and then move them outdoors when the weather gets warmer. Alternatively, cuttings can be taken and planted in a moist sand mixture until they establish roots before transplanting in the desired sites.
Watering Needs
Although drought-tolerant, Osteospermum pinnatum (Thunb.) Norl. var. breve Norl. still needs a constant supply of water to thrive well. Water the plant as soon as the soil dries out by providing a deep soak at the base to allow root growth and development. However, care should be taken not to overwater the plant as it can cause root rot.
Fertilization
To provide optimal growth, it is best to fertilize Osteospermum pinnatum (Thunb.) Norl. var. breve Norl. once or twice in a season. Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer on the soil surface around the plant base and water well. Avoid applying too much fertilizer as this can stunt plant growth or lead to foliage burn.
Pruning
Osteospermum pinnatum (Thunb.) Norl. var. breve Norl. should be pruned regularly to promote healthy growth and denser foliage. Pinch off spent flowers to encourage the development of new blooms, and shorten overly long stems to improve plant structure. Pruning should be done in late winter or early spring, just before new growth appears.
Propagation of Osteospermum pinnatum var. breve
Osteospermum pinnatum var. breve can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings, and division.
Propagation through Seeds
The easiest way to propagate Osteospermum pinnatum var. breve is through seeds. Collect seeds from matured fruits and sow them in a well-drained seed-raising mix. Keep the soil moist and place the container in a warm and sunny location. Germination usually occurs within 2-3 weeks.
Propagation through Stem Cuttings
Propagation through stem cuttings is another method to propagate Osteospermum pinnatum var. breve. Cut a 5-7 cm long stem from the plant making sure it has at least a few leaves and some flowers. Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Plant the cuttings in a well-draining potting mix and keep the soil moist. After a few weeks, the cuttings will take root and start to grow.
Propagation through Division
Osteospermum pinnatum var. breve can also be propagated through division. Divide the plant into 2-3 clumps, making sure that each clump has a good root system. Replant the clumps in well-prepared soil, and keep the soil moist until the new plant gets established.
Overview of Osteospermum pinnatum (Thunb.) Norl. var. breve Norl.
Osteospermum pinnatum (Thunb.) Norl. var. breve Norl. is a drought-tolerant plant that belongs to the Family Asteraceae. This plant variety is native to southern and eastern Africa and is commonly known as the Cape Daisy. It is an annual or perennial plant that produces yellow, white, or lilac-colored flowers. The plant requires well-drained soil and full sun to grow. Although it is a hardy plant, it is susceptible to pests and diseases that may affect its growth and yield.
Common Pests of Osteospermum pinnatum (Thunb.) Norl. var. breve Norl.
Osteospermum pinnatum (Thunb.) Norl. var. breve Norl. is susceptible to several pests, including:
- Aphids: These are small, soft-bodied insects that suck the sap from the plant, causing the leaves to yellow and wilt. They also excrete honeydew, which attracts ants. To manage aphids, spray the plant with a strong jet of water or apply insecticidal soap.
- Whiteflies: These are tiny, white insects that congregate on the undersides of the leaves, causing them to yellow and curl. They also excrete honeydew, which attracts ants. To manage whiteflies, spray the plant with a strong jet of water or apply insecticidal soap.
- Thrips: These are tiny, slender insects that feed on the plant's tissues, causing them to wilt and discolor. To manage thrips, apply insecticidal soap or neem oil to the plant.
Common Diseases of Osteospermum pinnatum (Thunb.) Norl. var. breve Norl.
Osteospermum pinnatum (Thunb.) Norl. var. breve Norl. is susceptible to several diseases, including:
- Root Rot: This is a fungal disease that affects the roots, causing them to rot and the plant to wilt and die. To manage root rot, avoid over-watering the plant and treat it with a fungicide.
- Powdery Mildew: This is a fungal disease that causes a white, powdery coating on the leaves, stems, and flowers. It can stunt the plant's growth and reduce its yield. To manage powdery mildew, remove infected plant parts and apply a fungicide.
- Bacterial Leaf Spot: This is a bacterial disease that causes yellow or brown spots on the leaves, which eventually turn black and drop off. To manage bacterial leaf spot, remove infected plant parts and treat the plant with a bactericide.
