Osteospermum Akila Sunset Shades seeds - Cape Daisy

Osteospermum Akila 'Sunset Shades' is a mixed selection of African Daisy developing on a compact, highly branched plant, with lanceolate dark green foliage, displaying the most beautiful range of sunset shades. The flowers bloom in shades of burgundy, pink-red, salmon, apricot, orange, and yellow, around a dark centre. These daisy-like perennials are fairly hardy and tolerate both drought and poor soils well, requiring minimal care.

Osteospermums, also known as Cape Daisies or African Daisies, belong to the aster family. They are perennials grown as annuals in temperate climates. They are not very hardy, susceptible to temperatures below -5°C, especially if frost is repeated. However, with mild winters, especially in coastal areas, they will show off their beautiful dark green foliage throughout the winter. Osteospermums offer an impressive range of colours. The Akila 'Sunset Shades' selection offers a mix of warm colours, in burgundy-red, orange, apricot, salmon, yellow, pink-red. They produce a profusion of solitary, 5 to 6 cm diameter flowers, held at a height of 30 cm, on a highly branched, 50 cm wide clump.

They grow in South African sandy soils, along steep slopes or at the base of cliffs. From their natural habitat, they have retained a preference for well-drained, poor soils and full sun. They are enduring, with a long flowering period from June to October, appreciated by less attentive gardeners. During dry spells, these beautiful, very undemanding daisies will simply thrive with a little water. To stimulate flowering, just remove the faded flowers.

Osteospermums are undemanding plants that thrive in sunny locations and well-drained soils. Mix 'Sunset Shades' with other Osteospermums in warm tones or pink tones that complement them well. Add shrubby Salvias in the background and heathers in the foreground with grey-leaved plants like 'Edward Bowles' cotton lavender. They are so nectar-rich that butterflies never tire of visiting. Appreciated in containers and pots where they are easy to store in winter, they make generous bouquets.

If you water them during a very hot and dry summer, avoid wetting their foliage. You might see powdery mildew appear. With this precaution taken, they are very resistant to diseases.