groundcover

Trailing African Daisy

The Story

Plant Bio

Dimorphotheca fruticosa, commonly known as the trailing African daisy, is a prostrate, sprawling perennial herb that forms dense, ground-hugging mats and cascades over slopes. The semi-succulent, coarsely toothed leaves emerge bright green, supporting solitary daisy-like flower heads with white, pink, or purple ray florets surrounding a dark bluish-purple central disc.

This species is distinguished by its trailing, rooting stems that become woody at the base, making it an effective soil-stabilizer for coastal cliffs and dry banks. Unlike upright African daisies, its sprawling habit allows it to cascade up to six feet wide while maintaining a low profile of under two feet.

Uses & Benefits:

Forms a dense, colorful carpet of white, pink, or purple daisy-like flowers over a long spring and summer season.

Provides excellent soil stabilization and erosion control on steep, dry slopes and coastal cliffs.

Attracts native bees, honeybees, and other generalist pollinating insects to its nectar-rich flowers.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Groundcover

Height

20"

Width

79"

Light

Full Sun

Zones

9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

Low to Moderate

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

South Africa

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Spring – Summer

In flower about 6 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun with sandy, loamy, or rocky soil that drains rapidly.
Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and set the plant at the same depth as its nursery container.
Water moderately during the first growing season to establish a deep root system.
Shear back the foliage by one-third after the primary spring flowering flush to encourage dense, fresh growth.

Pro Tip

Plant in sharply draining, sandy or gravelly soil in full sun; heavy clay or excess moisture triggers rapid root rot. Shear the entire plant lightly after the main spring bloom to prevent the center from becoming bare and woody, taking care not to cut back into old, leafless stems.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Grow in full sun to maximize flower production and maintain tight, compact growth.
Provide sharp mineral drainage, especially when planting on slopes or in rock gardens.
Prune lightly once a year after the main bloom period to prevent woody, sparse centers.

Don't

Do not plant in heavy clay or poorly drained soils that hold water.
Do not cut hard into old, leafless, woody stems, as they will fail to resprout.
Do not over-fertilize, which causes weak, leggy growth and shortens the plant's lifespan.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

GroundcoverErosion ControlRock GardenCoastal GardenRetaining Walls

Companion Plants

Erigeron glaucus Encelia californica Salvia apiana

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Trailing African Daisy questions

What zones can Trailing African Daisy grow in?

Trailing 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 Trailing African Daisy deer resistant?

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

When does Trailing African Daisy bloom?

Trailing African Daisy 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 Trailing African Daisy need full sun?

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

Is Trailing African Daisy drought tolerant?

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