ANNUALS

Osteospermum — a.k.a. African daisy — is a native of South Africa, and is a great choice for adding impact to mixed containers, or for sprucing up summer beds. The large daisy-shaped blooms come in several colors including purple, violet, white, orange and yellow. The blooms open fully only in sunlight, but fortunately the backsides of the flowers are just as colorful.

Be sure to check out the Sunny™ series: deep purple ‘Mary’, coppery ‘Sheila Improved’, and ‘Amanda’ (left above), an orange and yellow variety. Also noteworthy is ‘Serenity™ Lavender Bliss’, which has unique pinwheel-like blossoms.

African daisies will perform best when planted in full sun, in decent soil, and provided with regular watering. Some deadheading will keep them looking their best and may encourage more blooms. Although these prolific bloomers are reliably perennial in warmer climes, they’re generally treated as annuals here. However, with a mild winter, gardeners in the Seattle area are sometimes rewarded with an encore performance. If so, enjoy!

Winter or spring pansies?

Annuals

Organic Gardening

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