Osteospermum Flower Power Spider Pink - Cape Daisy

The Osteospermum Flower Power Spider Pink is surprising in its originality. It is part of a new generation of Cape daisies with a distinct and unusual architecture. This 'Pink' variety is composed of spoon-shaped, tubular pink petals surrounding a large violet centre. Formerly known as Dimorphoteca or Rain Daisy, this not very hardy perennial is unfailingly sun-loving and blooms even in very hot weather. Airy in appearance, it maintains a neat look throughout its long summer flowering period. Perfect for containers, rock gardens, and dry slopes, it is perennial in mild climates.

Mainly native to South Africa, Osteospermum are perennial or annual plants closely related to Dimorphotecas. They all belong to the large family of Asteraceae. 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 climate. The Flower Power Spider Pink variety is a recent development with a more branched and compact habit, ideal for container cultivation. It blooms from May to October, depending on the cultivation method and climate. The plant, which reaches maturity in a few months, will average 30 cm (12in) in height and 40-45 cm (16-18in) in width, forming a beautifully flowered cushion. The flowers are quite large compared to the size of the plant. They are a deep pink and are carried by branched stems emerging from shiny green, toothed foliage that will persist in frost-free winters. They close up when light is insufficient. Usually grown as an annual in temperate climates, the plant may 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, given their eagerness to bloom on dry slopes in open ground or on terraces and balconies exposed to intense heat. In a dry garden, they can be combined with catmints, sage, verbenas, lantanas, or fleabanes. They will outline borders and embellish rock gardens. 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 5 to 10 cm (2 to 4 in) in cases of 5 small plugs with a diameter of 3 cm (1 in) and a height of 4 cm (2 in). Our plants are at least eight weeks old and strong enough to be planted in open ground.

Note: Attention, our young plug plants are professional products intended for experienced gardeners: upon receipt, repot them and store them in a sheltered location (veranda, greenhouse, cold frame) at a temperature above 14°C for a few weeks before planting them outdoors once the risk of frost has passed.