Osteospermum ecklonis 3D Steel Blue - Cape daisy

Osteospermum ecklonis 3D™ Steel Blue, a Cape daisy with double steel blue flowers, is a recent horticultural selection from the 3D™ series, which has revitalised the Dimorphotheca genus. Its pretty chrysanthemum-like flowers remain open day and night, even in low light. It is an excellent variety for brightening beds, sunny slopes, pots and window boxes. This compact yet vigorous plant flowers from spring to autumn and is as undemanding as it is decorative.

Botanically, Osteospermum ecklonis, or Dimorphotheca ecklonis, belongs to the Asteraceae family. The type species originates from a restricted area of the Eastern Cape in South Africa, around Humansdorp, Uitenhage and Port Elizabeth, where it grows in sandy or rocky soils, on slopes and at the foot of cliffs along the coast. It is a fast-growing plant that can live for several years in a favourable climate. However, it is often grown as an annual or short-lived perennial in colder regions.

The cultivar 3D™ Steel Blue is a selection from Selecta One, part of the 3D™ series, characterised by very double flower heads, a uniform habit and flowers that do not close at night. The plant reaches 30 to 45 cm in height and a spread of 30 to 40 cm in 3 to 4 years. It forms a compact, rounded, small cushion, well-branched from the base. Its green foliage is semi-evergreen to evergreen in mild climates and slightly glossy. The leaves are simple, spatulate to lanceolate and slightly fleshy. Its stems, initially herbaceous, become somewhat woody at the base with age. The particularly generous flowering extends from May to October in the form of 5 to 6 cm diameter flower heads, carried above the foliage. In 3D™ Steel Blue, the centre is transformed into a tight pompon of purplish blue disc florets, surrounded by a ring of ligules arranged in rays, cream white at the base and steel blue towards the tip, creating a marked three-dimensional effect. The flowers remain open day and night, even in overcast weather. The plant may regrow from the ground in spring if the winter is not too cold (maximum hardiness -5°C), and the soil is well-drained.

In the garden, Dimorphotheca 3D™ Steel Blue is suitable for somewhat dry beds and rock gardens, as well as large containers. It can be planted in borders in groups of three to five plants in front of taller plants. Its steel blue colour combines particularly well with grey foliage and white or mauve flowers: consider associating it with the silver cushions of Stachys byzantina ‘Silver Carpet’ or the dwarf artemisia Artemisia schmidtiana Nana and with Felicia 'Forever Blue'. In a container on a south-facing balcony, combine it with a few trailing white or mauve plants such as Verbena 'Seabrook's Lavender' to enjoy long and regular flowering throughout the summer season.

The genus name, Osteospermum, means hard seed (from Greek osteon, bone, and sperma, seed) while the epithet ecklonis honours the Danish botanist Christian Friedrich Ecklon, a great collector of Cape flora in the 19th century. Introduced to Europe at the end of the 19th century, the Cape daisy quickly found its place in coastal and Mediterranean gardens, and some populations of Osteospermum ecklonis have even become naturalised in several countries with mild climates.

Note: Please note, our young plug plants are products intended for experienced gardeners: upon receipt, transplant and store them under cover (conservatory, greenhouse, cold frame...) at a temperature above 14°C for a few weeks before being placed outdoors once all risk of frost has passed.