Origin
Osteospermum polygaloides L. var. latifolium Norl. is native to South Africa, where it is commonly found in the Cape Floral Region.
Common Names
Some common names for Osteospermum polygaloides L. var. latifolium Norl. include Night and Day, Cape Daisy, and African Daisy.
Uses
Osteospermum polygaloides L. var. latifolium Norl. is a popular ornamental plant, often used in gardens and landscapes due to its distinctive flowers. The plant's flowers are well-loved for their ability to bloom both during the day and at night, with different colors visible depending on the time of day the flowers are viewed. The flowers are also known for their distinctive fragrance, which is often described as being sweet and aromatic.
General Appearance
Osteospermum polygaloides L. var. latifolium Norl. is a low-growing shrub that typically reaches heights of around 30-60cm. The plant produces daisy-like flowers that can be either single or double, with colors ranging from purple and pink to white and yellow. The leaves of the plant are broad and fleshy, and are typically a green-grey or silver color. Osteospermum polygaloides L. var. latifolium Norl. is a hardy plant that is tolerant of a variety of growing conditions, and is well-suited to both sunny and partially-shaded areas.
Growth Conditions for Osteospermum polygaloides L. var. latifolium Norl.
Light Requirements: Osteospermum polygaloides L. var. latifolium Norl. requires full sun exposure for optimal growth. It can tolerate partial shade, but prolonged exposure to shade may result in stunted growth and reduced flower production.
Temperature Requirements: This plant thrives in warm temperatures between 60°F to 70°F (15°C to 21°C). It can tolerate high temperatures up to 100°F (38°C) during the day and low temperatures up to 40°F (4°C) at night. However, it cannot tolerate frost.
Soil Requirements: Osteospermum polygaloides L. var. latifolium Norl. prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. It can tolerate a wide range of soil pH, but a slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 6.0 to 7.0) is ideal. Soil that retains excess moisture should be avoided, as it can cause root rot and other diseases.
Fertilizer: This plant benefits from regular fertilization during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer (10-10-10). Over-fertilization should be avoided, as it can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of flower production.
Watering: Osteospermum polygaloides L. var. latifolium Norl. requires moderate watering. The soil should be kept moist, but not saturated. Overwatering can cause root rot and lead to plant death. Watering should be reduced during the winter months when the plant is in dormancy.
Propagation: This plant can be propagated by seed or by division. Seeds should be sown in the spring, and division should be done in the early spring or fall.
Cultivation methods
Osteospermum polygaloides L. var. latifolium Norl., commonly known as the "shrubby trailing African daisy," is a low-growing evergreen perennial typically cultivated as a groundcover. It prefers fertile, well-draining soil that is slightly acidic to neutral, and it requires full sun to thrive. Plant the shrub in an area that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight per day.
Prepare the soil by removing any weeds or debris and loosen it to a depth of at least 6 inches. Working in compost or aged manure before planting is beneficial in increasing soil fertility and promoting healthy growth.
Watering needs
The robust, drought-tolerant shrub of Osteospermum polygaloides L. var. latifolium Norl. requires well-draining soil to thrive, and overwatering can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases. Therefore, it is recommended to water deeply once a week or every two weeks, depending on the climate and temperature. It is best to water the plant early in the day to avoid evaporation and to let the leaves dry for the rest of the day.
Fertilization
The Osteospermum polygaloides L. var. latifolium Norl. needs to be fertilized occasionally to thrive and maintain healthy growth. Fertilize the shrub with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer during the growing season. Alternatively, adding a layer of compost around the plant every spring or fall will provide enough nutrients for it to thrive.
Pruning
Pruning the Osteospermum polygaloides L. var. latifolium Norl. is essential to keep it looking neat and tidy. Prune the plant in early spring to remove any dead or damaged branches and promote healthy shoot growth. Additionally, you can pinch back the stems to encourage bushier growth and more flowers. Nonetheless, avoid cutting off more than one-third of the plant's canopy to prevent stunting its growth
Propagation of Osteospermum polygaloides L. var. latifolium Norl.
Osteospermum polygaloides L. var. latifolium Norl. can be propagated through various methods which are discussed below.
1. Seeds Propagation
The seeds of Osteospermum polygaloides L. var. latifolium Norl. can be collected from the dried cones after flowering. In order to grow from seed, the seeds should be sown in seed trays filled with well-drained potting soil or compost. The seeds need to be covered very lightly with soil and then kept at a temperature of between 20-25°C and in a bright location. The seeds will germinate in about two to four weeks and should be transplanted into individual pots about four weeks later. The seedlings should be watered regularly and grown under bright but shaded light until they grow to about 10cm, then they can be transplanted to their permanent position.
2. Cuttings Propagation
Osteospermum polygaloides L. var. latifolium Norl. can also be propagated through cuttings. The cuttings should be taken from non-flowering shoots, choosing shoots that are straight and strong. The cuttings should be taken early in the morning and should be about 10-15cm long. The leaves on the bottom half of the cutting should be removed, and the cutting should be dipped into rooting hormone powder and then planted into trays filled with well-drained soil. The cuttings need to be kept at a temperature of between 20-25°C in a bright but shaded location and should be kept moist. The cuttings should take around four to six weeks to root and establish, and then they can be transplanted into their permanent planting position.
3. Division Propagation
Osteospermum polygaloides L. var. latifolium Norl. can also be propagated through division. In this method, the plant is divided into smaller parts, and each part is planted separately. This is best done in the spring when new growth begins, and the plant is more active. Carefully lift the plant and separate the roots by teasing them apart. Each section should have a good root system, and the sections should be replanted immediately in their permanent position. Ensure that the newly divided plants are watered regularly to help them establish.
Disease Management
Osteospermum polygaloides L. var. latifolium Norl. is vulnerable to several diseases that can damage the plant's health and reduce its yield. Some of the common diseases that affect this plant are:
- Leaf spot: This fungal disease causes brown or black spots on the plant's leaves, leading to defoliation. To manage leaf spot, remove infected leaves and spray fungicide.
- Root rot: Overwatering and poorly drained soil can cause root rot in this plant, leading to wilting and death. To manage root rot, avoid overwatering and use well-draining soil, and apply fungicide.
- Powdery mildew: This fungal disease appears as a white powdery substance on the leaves and stems of the plant. To manage powdery mildew, prune infected areas, increase air circulation, and apply fungicide.
Pest Management
Osteospermum polygaloides L. var. latifolium Norl. is also susceptible to several pests that can damage the plant's leaves, stems, and flowers. Some common pests that affect this plant are:
- Thrips: These tiny insects suck the sap from the plant's leaves, causing them to turn brown and fall off. To manage thrips, remove infected leaves and spray insecticidal soap.
- Spider mites: These tiny pests feed on plant sap, causing the leaves to turn yellow and dry out. To manage spider mites, increase humidity, prune infested areas, and apply insecticidal soap.
- Aphids: These small insects suck sap from the plant, causing leaves to curl and distort. To manage aphids, prune infested areas, increase air circulation, and spray insecticidal soap.
