A Colorful, Carefree Groundcover: Introducing Trailing African Daisy

With its vibrant trumpet-shaped blooms and cascading habit, trailing African daisy (Osteospermum fruticosum) is a joyful, low-maintenance plant This South African native spreads its cheerful carpet of flowers and foliage with minimal care Read on to discover why this hardy groundcover belongs in sunny gardens everywhere.

Overview of Trailing African Daisy

Trailing African daisy is an herbaceous perennial groundcover in the Asteraceae family. Key traits include:

• Evergreen in frost-free climates, semi-evergreen where winters are cold
• Fast-growing mats or cascades 18 inches tall and 3+ feet wide
• Abundant daisy flowers in white, purple, pink, apricot, and bicolor
• Blooms spring through fall in mild weather
• Narrow blue-green leaves are lightly aromatic when brushed
• Spreads easily by above-ground stolons/runners
• Highly drought and heat tolerant once established

This cheerful spreader thrives in full sun and needs little care, It performs beautifully spilling from containers or cascading down banks and slopes

The History and Origins of Trailing African Daisy

Trailing African daisy originated in the rocky grasslands of South Africa and Arabia. It has been cultivated in Europe since the 1700s. Early Dutch settlers brought osteospermums to England where breeders developed showy hybrids.

The name osteospermum means “bony seed” referring to the hard, nut-like achenes. The common name “African daisy” comes from the resemblance to daisies. Trailing types likely arose naturally as groundcover mutations. They were introduced to the nursery trade in the 1960s.

Trailing African Daisy Characteristics

Trailing African daisy grows rapidly in one season into a lush mat or cascade of foliage studded with bright blooms. Key features include:

• Stems – Slender green stems take root where they contact soil, spreading the plant. Older stems get woody.

• Leaves – Evergreen, spoon-shaped, 1-3 inches long. Blue-green with slightly fuzzy texture.

• Flowers – Daisy-like with a central disk of yellow disc florets surrounded by ray florets. 2-3 inches wide.

• Bloom season – Spring through fall in mild climates; from spring to summer where winters are cold.

• Fragrance – Lightly scented; some varieties more fragrant.

• Fruit – Small dry achenes form after flowers fade.

Prolific flowering and dense spreading growth make this a top choice for vibrant groundcover areas.

Growing Conditions for Trailing African Daisy

Though native to South Africa, trailing African daisy adapts readily to other warm climates. Key growing guidelines:

• Hardiness – Perennial in zones 9-11; grown as an annual elsewhere. Tolerates light frosts.

• Sun exposure – Full sun is ideal, but light afternoon shade tolerated. Needs at least 5 hours of direct sun.

• Soil – Average garden soil. Prefers well-drained but can tolerate some clay. Avoid overly rich soil.

• pH – Slightly acidic to slightly alkaline acceptable; 6.5-7.5 ideal.

• Watering – Drought tolerant but grows best with moderate water, 1-2 inches per week.

• Fertilizer – Apply balanced flower fertilizer monthly during growing season.

Provide this daisy with sun, well-drained soil, moderate water, and occasional fertilizer for maximum flower power.

How to Grow Trailing African Daisy from Seed

Trailing African daisy is commonly grown from nursery starter plants, but can also be started from seed. Follow these tips:

• Start indoors 8-10 weeks before last frost since seeds need light and warmth to germinate.

• Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep in seed starting mix. Maintain 70°F soil temperature.

• Water carefully to keep soil moist but not saturated.

• Thin seedlings when 2-3 inches tall. Transplant outdoors after hardening off.

• Space transplants 12-18 inches apart in full sun after danger of frost.

• Fertilize monthly and trim any errant long stems to encourage fullness.

• Watch for flower buds 90-120 days after sowing seeds. Deadhead to prolong bloom.

Grown from seed, trailing African daisy will bloom its first year and continue spreading thereafter.

Tips for Growing Trailing African Daisy in Containers

The cascading habit of trailing African daisy makes it ideal for containers and hanging baskets. Follow these tips for success:

• Select a container at least 10-12 inches wide and deep. Trailing types need room to spread.

• Use a quality potting mix that drains well but retains some moisture.

• Plant one nursery plant per 12-inch basket/pot, or 3-4 per larger planter.

• Situate container in full sun. Rotate occasionally for even sun exposure.

• Water when soil surface is dry 1-2 inches deep. Allow soil to dry between waterings.

• Apply soluble flower fertilizer monthly during the growing season.

• Prune back straggly stems in late winter to encourage full, compact growth.

With proper care, container-grown trailing African daisy will reward you with abundant charm and color.

Tips for Growing as Groundcover or Border Plant

Thanks to its spreading habit, trailing African daisy excels as a colorful groundcover or edging. Follow these tips:

• Space plants 12-18 inches apart for fast establishment. They’ll fill in quickly.

• Dig a hole just larger than the root ball. Do not amend soil, as rich soil causes floppy growth.

• Set plants at the same level they were growing in the nursery pot. Backfill around roots and water well.

• Apply 2-3 inches of mulch like shredded bark to conserve moisture and block weeds. Replenish as needed.

• Shear back 1/3 of the plant in late winter to remove old woody growth and shape.

• Deadhead regularly during bloom season to encourage continuous flowering.

With proper spacing and pruning, trailing African daisy will reward you with a carefree carpet of vivid color.

Potential Pests and Problems

When happily sited, trailing African daisy is relatively trouble-free. Potential issues to watch for include:

• Aphids or whiteflies – Control with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap sprays.

• Powdery mildew – Improve air circulation. Apply neem oil or sulfur dust preventatively.

• Overwatering – Allow soil to dry between waterings and ensure good drainage.

• Harsh winters – Mulch for insulation in cold zones. Plants may die back and return from roots.

• Leggy growth – Prune periodically to encourage fullness. Can indicate too much nitrogen.

Prompt attention to potential problems will help keep your trailing African daisy looking its best.

With bright blooms over delicate foliage, trailing African daisy infuses joy and color wherever it grows. This charming plant is one of the easiest ways to fill spaces with vibrant flowers. Give it room to wander and trailing African daisy will reward you with a carefree carpet of nonstop color.