The Story
Plant Bio
Euryops pectinatus, the African bush daisy, is a rounded, multi-stemmed evergreen shrub native to South Africa's Cape Provinces. It produces bright yellow daisy-like flowers on long stems from spring through fall, adapting well to poor, sandy soils in frost-free climates.
This species is distinguished by its deeply lobed, fern-like foliage that carries a soft, silvery-green to grey-green texture. The composite flower heads feature a central golden-yellow disc that attracts bees and butterflies while remaining unpalatable to deer.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Shrub
Height
72"
Width
72"
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
8, 9, 10
Water
Low
Humidity
Moderate
Lifespan
5-10 years
Native To
South Africa
Toxicity
Mildly toxic to pets
Bloom period
Spring – Fall
In flower about 9 months of the year
Planting
How to Grow
- Select a planting site in full sun with highly drained sandy or loamy soil.
- Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and set the plant at its original container depth.
- Water deeply to settle the soil, then establish a minimal watering schedule once the root system is established.
- Apply a light layer of organic compost or a balanced slow-release fertilizer once a year in early spring.
- Prune the outer canopy annually post-flowering to maintain a dense, bushy habit.
Pro Tip
Prune the stems lightly or moderately immediately after the main flowering flush; cutting back into old, leafless wood prevents regeneration and kills the branch.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Plant in a location that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight daily.
- Ensure the soil drains rapidly to prevent waterlogging around the root zone.
- Prune annually to maintain a compact, rounded shape.
Don't
- Do not prune hard into old, brown, leafless wood.
- Do not overwater or plant in heavy, unamended clay soils.
- Do not apply heavy nitrogen fertilizers, which cause weak, floppy growth.
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Pest Check | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| 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?
Yes — African Bush Daisy is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does African Bush Daisy bloom?
African Bush Daisy typically blooms in spring through fall. 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.