perennial

African Daisy

Arctotis x hybrida

The Story

Plant Bio

A genus of tender perennials from South Africa, prized for their large, brilliantly colored, daisy-like flowers and silvery-green foliage. Often grown as annuals.

Hybrids offer a wider range of colors, larger flowers, and often a more compact, floriferous habit than the species. Flowers close at night and on cloudy days.

Uses & Benefits:

Ornamental UsesBright, cheerful flowers add vibrancy to sunny gardens and containers.
Practical UsesLow-maintenance, drought-tolerant, ideal for xeriscaping.
Ecological BenefitsProvides nectar for pollinators like bees and butterflies.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

18 inches

Width

15 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

Average

Lifespan

Perennial in warm zones

Native To

South Africa

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Planting

How to Grow

  1. Tuck seeds into well-draining soil in early spring.
  2. Mist cuttings regularly to maintain humidity.
  3. Transplant seedlings when they are strong and have several leaves.
  4. Fertilize monthly during the growing season for best blooms.
  5. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage new blooms.
  6. Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Pro Tip

Use well-draining sandy soil for vibrant, long-lasting blooms.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

  • Water deeply but infrequently to prevent root rot 🌱
  • Deadhead regularly to promote continuous flowering
  • Provide full sun for optimal growth
  • Apply a balanced fertilizer monthly during blooming season

Don't

  • Overwater which can cause root rot ❌
  • Plant in shady areas, as they prefer full sun
  • Ignore deadheading, which reduces flowering
  • Use heavy, clay soil without amendments

Seasonal Care Calendar

TaskJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Deadhead
Fertilize
Lift Store
Pinch
Plant

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Bright, daisy-like borderColorful groundcover in sunny bedsVivid container accent

Companion Plants

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

African Daisy questions

What zones can African Daisy grow in?

African Daisy is hardy in USDA Zones 9–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is African Daisy deer resistant?

Yes — African Daisy is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does African Daisy bloom?

African Daisy typically blooms in late spring to fall through late summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does African Daisy need full sun?

African Daisy does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Is African Daisy drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), African Daisy handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.

Keep exploring

Explore the genus

Hardy in your zone?

Grow African Daisy with confidence

See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.