The African daisy Australia (Osteospermum) is a type of trailing daisy that is native to South Africa. They are a low-growing, hardy variety of perennials that tend to spread out and produce a wide abundance of showy flowers. Australia’s hotter regions are an ideal climate for this groundcover plant and can be grown just as easily in Melbourne as in Sydney, Adelaide, and Perth.

African daisy Australia grow best in a sunny position (where they are assured of producing a bright spray of flowers each Spring) and care excellent plants to use as garden borders although they can also be just as stunning when grown in containers such as hanging baskets.

There is a wide range of varieties that produce flowers in a huge assortment of colors and flower shapes. The most common colors range in shades from pink to purple but also include yellows, creams, and a stunning dark blue. The petal shape of the flower also varies from a regular, smooth type to spoon-shaped and double flowers. The flowers are open during daylight hours but close when light levels fall at night or during periods of low sunlight. They bloom during the cooler seasons and tend to stop flowering during the hotter months in summer. Once established the African daisy is extremely tough, drought-tolerant, and will grow well in dry soils. In extreme weather conditions, the plant goes into a dormant state and will cease to produce flowers.

To provide conditions for the good growth of this plant it is important to remember that they require full sun to open so it is important to plant them in open areas where they will receive good light. They grow best in sandy loam-type soil that is well-drained in which will give the best blooms. They will, however, also tolerate poorer soils and still produce some flowers.

The plant can be raised from seeds but in this case, will not start producing blooms until the late summer. In general, the African daisy requires minimal care and will tolerate dry conditions and neglect and still produce a great show of flowers in the spring. They do prefer more acidic soil, however, with a pH between 5.0 and 5.5 for best results. While they will tolerate some frost, they will require protection during the colder months in areas that experience sub-zero temperatures or snow. Some varieties are bred for colder climates which gardeners should check before planting to achieve the best results.