The Story
Plant Bio
Euryops chrysanthemoides, the African bush daisy, is an evergreen, densely branched shrub native to South Africa that forms a rounded mound of deeply lobed, oak-like foliage. Bright golden-yellow daisy-like flowers up to two inches across cover the plant from fall through spring, and year-round in frost-free climates.
The deeply divided, glossy-green leaves are crowded near the branch tips, creating a dense outer canopy that contrasts sharply with the bright yellow blooms. Over time, the lower stems naturally lose their leaves and expose a woody, branching base.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Shrub
Height
60"
Width
60"
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
8, 9, 10
Water
Low to moderate
Humidity
Moderate
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
South Africa
Toxicity
Mild skin irritant
Bloom period
Fall – Spring
In flower about 9 months of the year
Planting
How to Grow
- Select a planting site in full sun with excellent drainage to prevent root rot.
- Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and set the plant at the same depth it was in the container.
- Water deeply to settle the soil, then establish a light watering schedule, allowing the top few inches of soil to dry out between waterings.
- Apply a light layer of organic mulch around the base, keeping it clear of the main stem to prevent collar rot.
Pro Tip
Prune strictly within the leafy outer shell of new growth; cutting back into old, leafless bare wood will kill the stems as they lack active buds to regenerate.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Prune lightly after peak flowering to maintain a compact shape.
- Ensure the soil drains rapidly to protect the root system from rot.
- Wear gloves when handling the plant to avoid skin irritation from the sap.
Don't
- Do not cut back into old, leafless woody stems.
- Do not overwater or allow the plant to sit in waterlogged soil.
- Do not apply heavy doses of fertilizer, as light feeding is sufficient.
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Pest Check | ||||||||||||
| Prune |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
African bush daisy questions
What zones can African bush daisy grow in?
African bush daisy is hardy in USDA Zones 8–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is African bush daisy deer resistant?
Not reliably. Deer may browse African bush daisy, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.
When does African bush daisy bloom?
African bush daisy typically blooms in fall through spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does African bush daisy need full sun?
African bush daisy does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
Is African bush daisy drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), African bush 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 bush 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.