Consulta Plantas

Care of the shrub Dimorphotheca cuneata or Rain flower

The genus Dimorphotheca, family Asteraceae, comprises 21 species of herbaceous plants and shrubs native to the south of the African continent. Some species are: Dimorphotheca cuneata, Dimorphoteca ecklonis, Dimorphoteca aurantiaca, Dimorphoteca pluvialis, Dimorphoteca barberiae, Dimorphoteca sinuata, Dimorphoteca calendulacea, Dimorphoteca chrysanthemifolia.

Common names: Rain flower, Karoo bietou, White bietou, White Gousblom, Large Bietou, Sticky Rain Daisy, Bush Dimorphotheca. Scientific synonyms: Dimorphotheca viscosa, Arnoldia viscosa. This species is native to South Africa.

Dimorphotheca cuneata is an erect, compact evergreen shrub that reaches 1.5 metres in height. The linear, toothed leaves give off a pleasant aroma if crushed. The abundant, showy flowers open when they receive direct sunlight and can be orange, white or pink. It blooms in spring.

Rain flower is used on dry, sunny slopes, in bushy groups, as isolated specimens and in pots for patios and terraces. It attracts bees and butterflies.

Dimorphotheca cuneata needs full sun exposure to bloom in all its splendour.

Karoo bietou grows in any soil that has good drainage; it does not tolerate clay soils.

Sticky Rain Daisy is a drought-resistant plant that needs moderate watering, waiting for the substrate to dry completely.

Dimorphotheca cuneata does not need fertiliser.

Pruning is not strictly necessary but wilted flowers can be cut off.

Rain flower is a plant resistant to the usual pests and diseases.

The easiest way to propagate is from seeds sown in spring and by cuttings (this process is more complicated).

Images of the shrub Dimorphotheca cuneata or Rain flower