Care of the plant Arctotis x hybrida or African Daisy |
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The genus Arctotis, family Asteraceae, comprises 50 species and hybrids of flowering plants native to southern Africa. Some species are: Arctotis rosea, Arctotis frutescens, Arctotis venusta, Arctotis fastuosa. Common name: African Daisy. This plant is a hybrid between the species Arctotis grandis and Arctotis acaulis. They are herbaceous plants of erect bearing that reach a height of 50 to 90 cm (1.6-2.9 feet). The lobed leaves are deep green on the upper side and gray on the underside. The most interesting thing is its showy flowers, similar to daisies, and of various colors: red, orange, white, yellow, etc. They bloom from late spring to mid-fall. They are used in mixed edges, for color stains on the lawn, in rockeries or in pots. They prefer direct sun exposure and warm or temperate climates. It is better not to expose them to frost or temperatures below 4 ºC (39.2 ºF). A good soil for these plants would be a mixture of 1/2 of garden substrate, 1/4 of coarse sand and 1/4 of leaf mulch. Planting is done in mid-spring. Always water moderately, waiting until the soil has dried before watering. Fertilize with mineral fertilizer every 20 days from spring to late fall. Prune withered inflorescences. They do not have serious pest problems but are sensitive to excess moisture. They propagate from seeds sown directly in their final place in late winter once the danger of frost has passed. |
Images of the plant Arctotis x hybrida or African Daisy |
 Arctotis x hybrida  Arctotis x hybrida  Arctotis x hybrida  Arctotis x hybrida  Arctotis x hybrida  Arctotis x hybrida |