Contents
Description
Osteospermum Polygaloides, also known as the “butterfly daisy,” is a species of flowering plant in the Asteraceae family. It is native to South Africa and is commonly grown as an ornamental plant in gardens and landscapes. The plant produces beautiful daisy-like flowers in shades of mauve, pink, and white with a yellow center. The blooms are long-lasting and appear throughout the summer and fall.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Osteospermum |
Appearance
Osteospermum Polygaloides is a compact, bushy plant that grows up to 1.5 feet tall and wide. The foliage is dark green and toothed with a slightly fuzzy texture. The flowers are about 2-3 inches in diameter and have a single row of petals that surround a yellow center. The petals are typically pink, mauve, or white and have a daisy-like appearance. The plant blooms throughout the summer and fall, attracting butterflies and other pollinators to the garden.
Care Guide
Osteospermum Polygaloides is a relatively easy plant to care for, but it does have specific requirements to thrive.Water: The plant prefers well-draining soil and should be watered deeply once a week, but only when the top inch of soil is dry to the touch.Fertilization: Fertilize the plant with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season.Soil: Osteospermum Polygaloides prefers well-draining soil with a neutral pH. It can tolerate slightly alkaline or acidic soils.Sunlight: The plant requires full sun to partial shade. It will not bloom well if grown in the shade.Hardiness Zones: Osteospermum Polygaloides is hardy in USDA zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Osteospermum Polygaloides is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered or grown in poorly draining soil. Spider mites and aphids may also infest the plant, but they can be easily controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Habitat
Osteospermum Polygaloides is native to South Africa, where it grows in rocky, well-draining soil in full sun. It is commonly grown as an ornamental plant in gardens and landscapes.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Osteospermum Polygaloides be grown in containers?
A: Yes, the plant can be grown in containers as long as they are well-draining and the plant is watered appropriately.Q: How often should I fertilize Osteospermum Polygaloides?
A: The plant should be fertilized with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season.Q: Does Osteospermum Polygaloides attract pollinators?
A: Yes, the plant blooms throughout the summer and fall, attracting butterflies and other pollinators to the garden.Q: What is the ideal soil pH for Osteospermum Polygaloides?
A: The plant prefers well-draining soil with a neutral pH. It can tolerate slightly alkaline or acidic soils.
Related Plants
– Osteospermum Ecklonis- Osteospermum fruticosum- Osteospermum jucundum- Osteospermum Serenity
References
– “Osteospermum polygaloides.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=286566. Accessed 24 May 2021.- “Osteospermum.” Royal Horticultural Society, www.rhs.org.uk/plants/search-results?form-mode=true&context=l%3Den%26q%3Dosteospermum%26sl%3DplantForm. Accessed 24 May 2021.- “Osteospermum polygaloides.” PlantZAfrica, www.plantzafrica.com/plantnop/osteospermpoly.htm. Accessed 24 May 2021.
