Osteospermum Summersmile Double Golden Yellow - Cape Daisy

Osteospermum Summersmile 'Double Golden Yellow' is part of a new generation of highly branched and floriferous hybrids. Formerly known as Dimorphoteca or Rain Daisy, this less than hardy perennial, sun-loving, blooms for a long period, even in very hot weather. Its flowers resemble large daisies formed by a double row of cream-white petals surrounding a vibrant yellow centre. They close up if there is insufficient light. This plant, often grown as an annual, tolerates heat, sea spray, drought, and poor soils.

Mostly originating from South Africa, Osteospermum are perennial or annual plants very close to Dimorphotheca, and belong like them to the Asteraceae family. Most of the osteospermums cultivated in gardens are hybrids of uncertain origin. They are generally very robust plants, useful for ornamental purposes in dry soils. Their preferred region in South Africa corresponds to the Atlantic facade, which has a Mediterranean climate.

'Summersmile Double Golden Yellow' is a recent variety that stands out for its floriferousness and branched habit, ideal for container gardening. It flowers from May to October, depending on the cultivation method and climate. The plant, maturing in a few months, will reach between 35 and 50 cm (14 and 20in) in all directions, forming a truly generous blooming bouquet. Its flowers are quite large compared to the size of the plant. They are bicoloured, cream-white with a yellow centre, and are borne on branched stems emerging from glossy green, dentate foliage. 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 -8°C (17.6°F)) and the soil is well-drained.

Osteospermums have become indispensable given their willingness to cover dry slopes in open ground, or heat-battered terraces and balconies, with a gorgeous floral carpet. They can be associated in a dry garden with catmints, shrubby salvias, verbenas, lantanas, or immortelles. They will highlight borders and bloom in rockeries. In a mix of colours, they form remarkable ground cover. In pots they can be combined with bidens or Erigeron karvinskianus, for example.

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

Note: Please be aware that our young plug plants are professional products intended for experienced gardeners: upon receipt, transplant and store them in sheltered areas (veranda, greenhouse, frame etc.) at a temperature above 14°C (57.2°F) for a few weeks before being planted outdoors once the risk of frost has definitively passed.