Osteospermum Dalina Orange - Cape Daisy

Osteospermum Dalina® 'Orange' is a variety of Osteospermum or Cape Daisy selected for its large orange flowers with a light brown centre. This plant is part of a new generation of highly floriferous hybrids. The Dalina series needs to be pinched to promote branching. It is a tender perennial, usually grown as an annual in temperate climates, where it brightens up containers throughout the summer. In coastal areas, it is an excellent perennial for rock gardens and dry slopes.

Mainly native to South Africa, Osteospermum are perennial or annual plants closely related to Dimorphothecas. Like them, they belong to the large Asteraceae family. Most Osteospermums cultivated in gardens are hybrids of uncertain origin. They are generally very robust plants, useful for ornamenting dry soils. Their preferred region in South Africa corresponds to the Atlantic coast, which has a Mediterranean climate. The Dalina 'Orange' variety is a recent Danish selection with a compact habit, ideal for container gardening. Its flowering occurs from May-June to October, depending on the cultivation method and climate. The plant, reaching maturity in a few months, will grow to about 35cm in height and 40-45cm in width, forming a beautiful, generously blooming cushion. Its flowers are quite large compared to the size of the plant. They are borne on branched stems emerging from green foliage that will persist in frost-free winters. They close up when the light is insufficient. Usually grown as an annual in temperate climates, the plant can regrow from the stump in spring if the winter is not too cold (maximum hardiness -7/-8°C), and the soil is well-drained.

Osteospermums have become indispensable, as they are very willing to flower on dry slopes in open ground or on terraces and balconies exposed to heat. In a dry garden, they can be combined with catmints, shrubby salvias, verbenas, Lantanas, or immortelles. They will highlight borders and flower rock gardens. In a mix of colours, they form remarkable ground covers. In flower pots, they can be paired with Bidens or Erigeron karvinskianus, for example.