perennial

Cape Marguerite

The Story

Plant Bio

Dimorphotheca ecklonis is an evergreen, soft-wooded perennial subshrub native to South Africa, forming a sprawling mound of slightly succulent, glandular-pubescent foliage. The large, daisy-like flowerheads feature bright white ray florets with purplish-blue undersides surrounding a dark blue central disc, opening only in full sunlight.

The species is highly resilient in coastal environments, showing exceptional tolerance to salt spray, wind, and sandy soils. Its flowers close completely at night, during heavily overcast weather, and immediately preceding rainfall.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides a continuous display of large, bright white daisy-like flowers with contrasting dark blue centers from spring through summer.

Thrives in poor, sandy soils and coastal salt spray, making it highly effective for stabilizing dunes and dry slopes.

Attracts generalist pollinators, including bees and butterflies, while remaining highly unpalatable to deer and rabbits.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

39"

Width

59"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

Low

Lifespan

Short-lived perennial

Native To

South Africa

Toxicity

Toxic to pets and livestock

Bloom period

Spring – Summer

In flower about 6 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site that receives full, unobstructed sun to ensure the flowers open fully during the day.
Amend heavy soils with coarse sand or gravel to guarantee rapid drainage, as waterlogged conditions cause rapid decline.
Water sparingly once established, allowing the top few inches of soil to dry out completely between irrigations.
Deadhead spent flower stalks regularly to stimulate continuous bud production throughout the spring and summer.

Pro Tip

To prevent the plant from developing a sparse, woody base, prune the stems back aggressively by half every two to three years, and grow in lean, fast-draining soil to avoid fatal root rot.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Plant in lean, low-fertility soils to encourage abundant flowering rather than excessive foliage growth.
Ensure excellent air circulation around the foliage to minimize the risk of powdery mildew in humid climates.
Prune lightly immediately after the main summer flowering flush to maintain a compact, mounded shape.

Don't

Do not use high-nitrogen fertilizers, which produce weak, soft stems and drastically reduce bloom count.
Do not use overhead irrigation; wet foliage in stagnant air triggers foliar fungal diseases.
Do not plant in heavy clay or low-lying areas where water accumulates.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Deadhead
Fertilize
Pest Check
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Coastal gardensRock gardensMixed bordersContainer displaysErosion control on sandy slopes

Companion Plants

Coreopsis Gaillardia pulchella Salvia Lavandula

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Cape Marguerite questions

What zones can Cape Marguerite grow in?

Cape Marguerite 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 Cape Marguerite deer resistant?

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

When does Cape Marguerite bloom?

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

Does Cape Marguerite need full sun?

Cape Marguerite does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Cape Marguerite drought tolerant?

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