Osteospermum Flower Power Spider White - Cape Daisy

Osteospermum 'Flower Power Spider White' belongs to a new generation of Cape daisies that is quite original. Their clean appearance, long summer flowering, and unusual architecture of brightly coloured flowers make them excellent plants for enhancing flowerbeds. Formerly known as Dimorphoteca or Rain Daisy, this less hardy perennial, which thrives in the sun, blooms even in very hot weather. In this 'Spider White' variety, the flowers consist of a row of white petals with partially tubular purple-violet undersides that form a geometric stained glass pattern, centred around a large violet-brown centre. It is also an excellent perennial for rock gardens and dry slopes in mild climates.

Primarily native to South Africa, Osteospermum are perennial or annual plants closely related to Dimorphotecas and, like them, 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 soil. Their preferred region in South Africa corresponds to the Atlantic facade, which has a Mediterranean climate.

The 'Flower Power Spider White' variety is a recent variety derived from Osteospermum ecklonis. The plant has a more branched and compact growth habit, ideal for container cultivation. Its flowering period is 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 floral cushion. Its white flowers are quite large compared to the size of the plant. They are borne on branched stems emerging from shiny green, dentate foliage that persists through the frost-free winter. They close up when 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 (19.4/17.6°F)) and the soil is well-drained.

Osteospermums have become indispensable, as they are very eager to flower on dry slopes in open ground or on heat-blasted terraces and balconies. They can be associated with catmints, shrubby salvias, verbenas, lantanas, or immortelles in a dry garden. They will accentuate borders and flower 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 4in) in plug plants of 3 cm (1in) in diameter and 4 cm (2in) in height. Our plants are at least eight weeks old and strong enough to be transplanted into open ground.

Note: Attention, 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 outdoors once all risk of frost has passed.