Contents
Description
Osteospermum Weetwood, also known as Cape Daisy, is a perennial flowering plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. It is native to South Africa and is widely cultivated in gardens and landscapes around the world. The plant produces daisy-like flowers in shades of pink, purple, white, and yellow, which bloom throughout the summer and fall.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Osteospermum |
Appearance
Osteospermum Weetwood grows up to 18 inches tall and 12 inches wide. Its leaves are green and lobed, and its stems are woody and branching. The plant produces daisy-like flowers that are about 3 inches in diameter, with petals that are spoon-shaped and arranged around a central disc. The flowers come in shades of pink, purple, white, and yellow, and have a papery texture. Osteospermum Weetwood blooms throughout the summer and fall.
Care Guide
Osteospermum Weetwood is a relatively low-maintenance plant. Here are some tips for caring for it:
- Water: Water the plant deeply once a week, or more often in hot or dry weather.
- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer once a month during the growing season.
- Soil: Plant Osteospermum Weetwood in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
- Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun, but can tolerate some shade.
- Hardiness Zones: Osteospermum Weetwood is hardy in USDA zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Osteospermum Weetwood is relatively pest and disease-resistant, but it can still be affected by a few common problems:
- Aphids: These small insects can suck the sap from the plant and cause yellowing and distortion of the leaves. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control them.
- Spider mites: These tiny pests can cause yellowing and stippling of the leaves. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control them.
- Botrytis: This fungal disease can cause brown spots on the leaves and flowers, as well as gray mold. Remove affected plant parts and improve air circulation to prevent the disease from spreading.
Habitat
Osteospermum Weetwood is native to South Africa, where it grows in rocky and sandy areas. It prefers well-draining soil and full sun, but can tolerate some shade.
Question and Answer
Q: How often should I water Osteospermum Weetwood?
A: Water the plant deeply once a week, or more often in hot or dry weather.
Q: What fertilizer should I use for Osteospermum Weetwood?
A: Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer once a month during the growing season.
Q: What pests and diseases affect Osteospermum Weetwood?
A: Osteospermum Weetwood can be affected by aphids, spider mites, and botrytis.
Q: What hardiness zones is Osteospermum Weetwood suitable for?
A: Osteospermum Weetwood is hardy in USDA zones 9-11.
Related Plants
- Osteospermum ecklonis
- Osteospermum fruticosum
- Osteospermum jucundum
- Osteospermum moniliferum
References
- “Osteospermum – Cape Daisy.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed August 31, 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=278608&isprofile=0&basic=osteospermum.
- “Osteospermum Weetwood.” Plant Finder. Accessed August 31, 2021. https://www.plantdelights.com/products/osteospermum-weetwood-cape-daisy.
- “Osteospermum Weetwood.” Royal Horticultural Society. Accessed August 31, 2021. https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/236783/Osteospermum-Weetwood/Details.
