Osteospermum Dalina Red Dark - Cape Daisy

Osteospermum Dalina Red Dark is a variety in a rare colour: it develops velvet flowers of a rich dark red to very attractive burgundy, with a wide, light brown centre. This plant belongs to a new generation of highly floriferous hybrids. The Dalina series needs to be pinched to encourage branching. Formerly called Dimorphoteca, it is a slightly hardy perennial, usually grown as an annual in temperate climates, where it brightens up even sun-drenched planters. In mild climates, it is an excellent perennial for rockeries 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 facade, which has a Mediterranean-type climate. The Dalina Red Dark variety is a recent selection that has a compact habit, ideal for container cultivation. It flowers from May to October, depending on the cultivation method and climate. The plant, reaching maturity in a few months, will average 30 cm (12in) in height and 40-45 cm (16-18in) in width, forming a beautifully floral cushion. Its flowers are quite large compared to the size of the plant. They are a deep and rich dark red, and are borne on branched stems emerging from shiny green, toothed foliage that will persist in frost-free winters. They close up when there is insufficient light. 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 (19.4/17.6°F)), and if the soil is well-drained.

Osteospermums have become indispensable, as they are very willing to bloom on dry slopes in open ground or on terraces and balconies exposed to heat. They can be associated in a dry garden with catmints, shrubby salvias, annual verbenas, lantanas, or immortelles. They will highlight borders and rockeries. They form remarkable ground cover in a mix of colours. In flowerpots, they can be paired with bidens or Erigeron karvinskianus, for example.

Young plants measuring 4 to 8 cm (2 to 3in), in cases of 5 small plugs with a diameter of 2.8 cm (1in) and a height of 4 cm (2in). Our plants are at least eight weeks old and are strong enough to be planted in open ground.

Note: Please be aware that our young plants in plug plants are professional products reserved for experienced gardeners: upon receipt, transplant and store them under cover (veranda, greenhouse, cold frame) at a temperature above 14°C (57.2°F) for a few weeks before planting them outside once the risk of frost has definitively passed.