Arctotis acaulis Harlequin

The Harlequin Arctotis or Arctotis acaulis, commonly known as the African Daisy, is a beautiful asteraceae with vibrant colors native to South Africa.

In its native habitat, it is grown as a perennial; here it behaves more like an annual. The Harlequin variety has a bushy habit, with stems reaching up to 40 cm (15.7 in) tall. Arctotis plants are excellent ground covers, and a single plant can sometimes cover an entire square meter. The silvery-gray, fuzzy leaves are deeply lobed. The multicolored flowers offer a warm color palette ranging from light yellow to orange, and from carmine pink to bright red. Most of them have spotted outer florets at the base, forming a contrasting color disk. The flowers form large heads measuring 8 to 10 cm in diameter from July to September.

The Arctotis can tolerate salt spray and is therefore suitable for coastal gardens. It is also well-suited to dry climates. What it fears most is excessive moisture. Paired with Gerberas, with whom it shares its origins and a strong formal resemblance, it will adorn rockeries or slopes and add an exotic touch to mixed borders or flowerbed edges. For abundant flowering, place it in a very sunny location.