Growing osteospermum and caring for it is not difficult.
Osteospermum (lat. Osteospermum) - is an annual and perennial herbaceous plant, shrub or shrub. The flower got its name from the Greek word "osteo" - bone, and the Latin word "spermum" - seed. The flower belongs to the aster family. In appearance, it resembles a chamomile or daisy.
general description
The birthplace of this unique flower is South Africa (Cape Province of South Africa), therefore it is called "African chamomile", "Cape daisy".
This unique flower was brought to Europe by the British in the 10th century. where he gained immense popularity. And all because the "African Chamomile" is very beautiful and unpretentious.
It is grown by seeds and cuttings. The seed method of cultivation is most preferable, as the plant develops quickly and does not require much care. But if varietal qualities are important to you, then it is better to grow by cuttings. The cuttings will convey all the parental qualities of the variety you love.
Growing osteospermum from seeds at home will not be a problem.
Seeds can be planted immediately in open ground, but then flowering will come late. That's why it is better to grow spermum flower through seedlings.
If you want to save the variety, you can dig up a bush, plant it in a spacious pot and bring it into the room. From December to March, provide osteospermum with winter rest. The temperature in the room where the flower will be kept should not be higher than 15 - 17 degrees. Watering should be reduced to a minimum. In the spring, plant the overwintered bush in the garden.
Reproduction and planting of septembers, flower care
Diseases and pests
Osteospermum is resistant to diseases and pests. Sometimes it can be attacked by aphids, which can be easily dealt with with any drug purchased from a specialized store. The main rule when caring for osteospermum is not to plant in the shade and not to fill it with water. And then all summer this wonderful flower will delight with its unique flowering.
Types and varieties of osteospermum
The unusual name osteospermum (lat. Osteospermum) is still little known in the country, a plant that looks quite familiar and pretty. This impression comes from the external resemblance to the familiar and beloved daisies, daisies, asters. Sometimes in the literature this genus is found under the names of Cape daisy, African chamomile, etc.
The plant deserves the closest attention of amateurs and professionals for the successful combination of excellent decorative qualities, unpretentiousness, long flowering, and the beauty and magnificent palette of shades and colors will impress the most demanding flower growers.
Description
Osteospermum is a genus of plants in the Asteraceae or Asteraceae family. Homeland consider South Africa, the Arabian Peninsula. The genus is represented by 70 species of heat-loving plants, unites annual and perennial herbs, semi-shrubs, shrubs. Lushly leafy osteosperm bushes bloom profusely, elegantly, for a long time and continuously, from June until mid-autumn. Under natural conditions, these are evergreen perennials. In the cold climate of the middle zone, osteosperms are cultivated as annuals or biennials.
Stems erect, occasionally creeping. The leaves are dense, unevenly serrated, spatulate or oblong-ovate. The color is bright green, variegated, sometimes grayish, the leaves have a specific smell.
The inflorescence resembles a chamomile
The osteospermum flower, in the usual sense, is actually an inflorescence of marginal reed flowers and sterile central tubular flowers. A distinctive feature is that the seeds unconventionally form not internal, rather inconspicuous flowers, but external ones surrounding them with a spectacular crown. The marginal flowers are colored differently, depending on the species, variety, from white to purple, the central ones are dark-colored, blue or light blue. There are varieties with large inflorescences of a rarer color of varying intensity - from pink, purple, to yellow, orange or even red. The inflorescence is a basket 3-8 cm in diameter, breeders bred plants with double and semi-double inflorescences.
Bright flowers usually open during the day in clear weather, this property protects their pollen from the harmful effects of moisture at night or with the onset of rain. Each individual inflorescence lives no longer than 5 days, however, new buds appear in place of wilted flowers, providing the most abundant flowering during the summer months, in July and August. If autumn weather is favorable, flowering may continue even until October. The fruit is represented by a rather large dark-colored achene.
Osteospermum is famous for its variety of species and varieties. Most cultivars are hybrid in nature. These are extremely attractive plants of the most diverse colors, they are characterized by a more compact form, early, abundant flowering, endurance and adaptability to adverse conditions. Some varieties are distinguished by the original form of reed flowers, they are called spoon osteosperms. Some species have spread as ornamental flowering plants in many countries of the world.
Spoon osteospermum
O. Eklona(lat. Osteospermum ecklonis). In the conditions of our cold winters, it grows as an annual. Under natural growing conditions, it is a perennial shrub, distinguished by highly branched straight stems up to 1 m high, narrow decorative-toothed leaves. Based on it, many elegant hybrid varieties have been bred, differing in the size of the bushes, color and shape of the petals.
O. conspicuous(lat. Osteospermum jucundum). Spectacular species, which is an evergreen perennial with low winter hardiness in areas with warm winters. The flowers change color from white to various shades of purple, the reverse side is painted in lilac-violet tones. Varieties based on this species are also very colorful and elegant.
Photogallery of species
Cultivation and care
Osteospermums successfully grow in areas warmed by the sun, without losing their decorative effect even in bad weather. For them, it is better to choose the brightest place on the site, they grow well in partial shade, but they can stretch in height. They need loose, fairly fertile, well-drained soil. Preference is given to slightly acidic, neutral, the mechanical structure of the soil is not of decisive importance. The soil must be permeable and not too nutritious, otherwise the plant will quickly grow excess greenery to the detriment of decorative flowering.
On sale sometimes there are already flowering osteosperm bushes
Standard care for flowering plants in relation to osteosperum means the following:
- Moderate watering;
- Regular feeding with complex preparations during flowering;
- Timely removal of obsolete inflorescences.
Plants are hardy, but thermophilic. Their frost resistance is low, usually these plants can withstand only weak frosts. Osteospermum is quite drought-resistant, easily tolerates a temporary lack of watering, hot weather, however, with a lack of moisture, the inflorescences can become smaller, decorative terry is lost. Overwatering is unacceptable. The plant does not tolerate extensive shade.
The bushes will respond to feeding with a noticeable increase in leaf and flowering mass, but they may well live without any special "tenderness". It is preferable to plant osteospermum on the sunny side of the site. Protection from strong winds is not necessary - the plant has a stable root system and a strong aerial part.
Osteospermum in a sunny area
The bushes grow widely and branch well, so it is usually recommended to keep the distance between them 40-50 cm, the requirements may differ for different varieties.
Caring for osteospermum necessarily include pinching. This allows you to stimulate the formation of new branches in the plant and form attractive outwardly bushes.
Wintering
Osteospermum can successfully winter in a mild climate, some varieties can withstand temperatures as low as -10 C.
It can be cultivated as a perennial plant if the room allows it to be kept until spring. It should be light, with a low positive temperature, watering should be reduced as much as possible. A plant transplanted from open ground into an individual container is returned to the site in the spring. This eliminates the need to spend effort on seedlings, growing flowers from seedlings for a long time.
Osteospermum in the landscape
reproduction
The following methods of propagation of osteospermum have been used: seeds and cuttings.
Growing from seed is not difficult and gives good results. You can sow the seeds of osteosperm immediately into the ground, the seedless sowing period begins in May. In this case, subsequent thinning is necessary. Flowering with this method of cultivation will come relatively late, so for early flowering it is preferable to use the seedling method.
To achieve flowering in June when growing osteosperm from seeds, they are sown as early as March. Since they are quite large and easily give friendly shoots, you can do without picking, sow immediately in pots, preventing possible intermediate damage to the root system.
Features of seed reproduction:
- germination lasts up to 4 years;
- seeds sprout together in 7-10 days;
- the plant gives abundant self-sowing, which can be used for seedlings;
- during seed propagation, there is a significant splitting of external signs in color, terry.
The soil for seedlings should be loose from a mixture of soddy, humus soil, sand. Seeds are slightly buried, sprinkled with earth. Future seedlings are placed in the light at a temperature of +20 C, regularly watered.
The high cold resistance of the plant does not eliminate the need for hardening of growing seedlings, gradually lowering the temperature to +12 C and increasing the time interval from 10 minutes or more. The time for planting mature young plants in a permanent place comes as soon as the last threat of night frosts disappears.
cuttings It is used in the reproduction of valuable varieties to preserve their unique properties inherent only to them. For osteosperm propagation by cuttings, it is desirable to select them from shoots that have not bloomed, preferably from the top of the plant as early as February. Rooted at +20 C, then transplanted into individual containers and proceed by analogy with seedlings from seeds.
Cuttings of osteospermum
This method is successfully used for winter storage of selected decorative samples. In early spring, the cuttings are cut just below the node, removing the lower leaves. The cuttings are placed in peat with sand, perlite, sprayed, if necessary, the container is covered with a film. The appearance of the roots will have to wait at least a month. Rooted young plants are kept cool, planted in flower beds in the spring after the complete cessation of frost.
Any seedlings need pinching. Top dressing with liquid fertilizers has a good effect on the subsequent splendor of the bush and the intensity of flowering.
Diseases and pests
This amazing plant is so resistant to diseases that when caring for it, you can not worry about time-consuming methods of protection. In rare cases, the threat of aphids infestation has been noted. Much more dangerous for osteosperm is abundant soil moisture, as is planting in heavily shaded areas.
Osteospermum flowers on the plot
Use in landscape design
Osteospermum is traditionally grown in flower beds, it allows you to create bright accents in rock gardens, in the foreground of shrub borders, indispensable in flowerpots and decorative tubs on terraces, in compact inner courtyards.
For flower growers - amateurs, its versatility is most attractive - osteospermum is equally good both in classic flower beds and on terraces, verandas or balconies.
In empty areas, compact or semi-dwarf varieties are used as ground cover.
Osteospermum, as well as possible, is suitable for decorating a container garden, for central flower beds, for artistic framing of flower beds, in groups in mixborders it looks just great.
A flowering plant is really very hardy and unpretentious, so it is suitable for areas with poor soil, slopes, rocky hills.
Cape chamomile is a spectacular ornamental plant, in appearance resembling representatives of the genus Nivyanik (for which it received the appropriate name). Due to the long flowering period and many color options, the shrub is widely used for growing in flower beds.
Despite its unpretentiousness, before starting the cultivation of osteosperm, it is worth considering the features of planting and caring for it in the open field. And the correct selection of a flower variety will help the gardener admire the riot of colors until late autumn.
Botanical description
Osteospermum is a perennial or annual shrub belonging to the Aster family (Astraceae), or Asteraceae (Compositae). Experts number about 50 plant species, most of which came to us from South Africa, namely from the Cape Province.
For its resemblance to "daisies" the plant in our country is called:
- blue-eyed chamomile;
- cape daisy;
- African chamomile.
The evergreen shrub has a number of distinctive characteristics:
- erect stem up to 1 m in height (only in some species - creeping);
- uneven serrated leaves;
- baskets-inflorescences with a diameter of up to 10 cm;
- white, purple, pink, yellow, purple flowers.
Cape daisy tolerates heat well. In addition, it is able to withstand short-term frosts or drought.
The bush is pollinated by bees.
African chamomile is grown, in addition to flower beds, in patios, in pots or tubs.
Types and varieties of osteospermum in the photo
Most Osteospermum flowers are wild species. Only a few shrubs are suitable for growing at home.
Eklon
Osteospermum ecklonis reaches a height of 1 m and is a branched strong shrub. It does not tolerate low temperatures, therefore it is cultivated mainly as an annual.
It has a variety Osteospermum ecklonis Starshine, characterized by a bright blue center of the flower.
conspicuous
Osteospermum conspicuous (Osteospermum jucundum) is grown as a container culture. When creating favorable conditions for this heat-loving plant, it can delight all year round with large purple-pink inflorescences.
Hybrid
The hybrid species of Cape chamomile is characterized by long flowering and unpretentiousness. Obtained as a result of crossing plants within the family.
The main varieties of this hybrid are:
As a result of selection work on the basis of the Akila cultivar, several varieties of it were bred:
Garden Cape daisies bloom in early summer and continue to produce inflorescences until the first hard frost. Under greenhouse growing conditions, flowering will be continuous from May to December.
Relatives of Osteospermum
Beginning gardeners often confuse the closest relatives and osteospermum, and yet the differences between these plants are significant.
Indeed, both shrubs are representatives of the Astrov family, originate from African countries, and have a certain resemblance to chamomile. However, the main distinguishing characteristic of the species is that Osteospermum is a perennial, and dimorphoteka is grown exclusively as an annual plant.
Another crop that African chamomile is often confused with is cardiospermum. Despite the similar name, this is a completely different plant. Cardiospermum grows in India and is an annual vine. The seed pods of the culture are similar to the fruits of physalis.
When to sow osteospermum and how to plant?
Breeding Cape chamomile is performed in 2 ways:
- sowing seeds;
- cuttings.
At home, the cultivation of Osteospermum from seeds is carried out as follows:
- in March or early April, the seed is distributed in separate containers;
- immerse the seed by 0.5 cm in moist soil and lightly sprinkle with earth;
- the container is covered with polyethylene or glass;
- send it to a warm place (+ 22 ° C) for germination;
- a week after the appearance of sprouts, the pots are rearranged on a light windowsill;
- at the same time, they contribute to a decrease in air temperature to 18 degrees Celsius;
- to prevent "stretching" of seedlings, they are highlighted (up to 14 hours / day);
- regularly water the seedlings;
- for hardening, 2 weeks before transplantation, the parosts are taken out into the open air;
- sprouts are planted in May at a distance of 50 cm from each other.
Soil is well suited for sowing seeds of Cape chamomile, which includes:
- sand;
- peat;
- sod land.
It is also convenient to grow African chamomile seeds in peat tablets.
Important! It is not necessary to soak the seeds before planting. This can lead to putrefactive processes inside the grain.
Growing osteosperm from cuttings
Propagation by cuttings is carried out according to the following scheme:
- in March, on an adult plant, the apical stalk is cut about 7 cm long;
- remove the lower leaves on it;
- update the cut with a sharp knife;
- place the cuttings in moist soil;
- place a plastic bottle over the stem;
- place containers with cuttings on a well-lit windowsill;
- periodically ventilate and moisten the soil.
The first roots will appear approximately 10-12 days after planting the cuttings.
As a soil for planting, it is better to use a composition of sand with vermiculite or a hydrogel with sphagnum moss.
flower care
Osteospermum is a relatively unpretentious flower. Agrotechnics of its cultivation includes several important points:
- landing;
- watering;
- feeding and pinching;
- winter preparation.
For planting Cape chamomile, it is better to choose a well-lit area with fertile, loose soil.
The landing itself takes place in several stages:
- dig up the land;
- dig a hole;
- plant a plant;
- lightly tamp the earth around it;
- water.
Despite drought resistance, the culture needs regular moderate watering. This is necessary to maintain abundant flowering.
Many novice gardeners are wondering if Osteospermum needs to be pinched. Experts with many years of experience, indeed, recommend using the method of pinching the apical shoots of a plant to stimulate branching.
For long-term abundant flowering, professionals also advise fertilizing under plants. This procedure must be carried out 3 times per season:
- 2 weeks after landing in a permanent place;
- when budding;
- at the end of the summer season.
For the same purpose, it is desirable to remove dried inflorescences.
In areas with more severe climatic conditions, the plant will die in winter.
To avoid this, you must:
- dig up a shrub;
- place it in a large container;
- send for storage in a cool room;
- occasionally moisten the earthen ball of the plant.
In the spring, the shrub can be planted in its place.
Wintering osteospermum:
Diseases and pests
Cape chamomile is highly resistant to various diseases and pests.
Only occasionally, with excessively moist soil, the plant may suffer from root rot. To eliminate the problem, the shrub is treated with fungicides.
Of the insects, only aphids may be interested in African chamomile (and when there is nothing more to “eat” on the site). If the leaves on the plant turn yellow and fall off, this is a sure sign of the presence of this pest. To combat aphids, the bush is sprayed with insecticides.
Where can I buy?
You can buy seedlings and seeds of Osteospermum in online stores:
| Name of shop | Amount in a package | price, rub. |
|---|---|---|
| Russian Garden | 7 - 15 seeds | 75 — 110 |
| Agrofirm Search | 0.1 g | 22 |
| Seedspost.com | 5 - 15 pcs. | 16 – 149 |
| Semenapost | 4 - 15 pcs. | 16 – 149 |
| Garden Center Alley | 1 seedling | 300 |
Cape chamomile, depending on the variety, is well suited for, porches, looks great in rocky gardens or. Osteospermum goes well with,.
This spectacular and attractive plant, whose inflorescences resemble chamomile, has won the hearts of flower growers in many countries in recent years. The Cape daisy or Eklon's osteospermum comes from the Cape region of the southern part of the African continent. This plant is part of the Compositae or Astrov family. The technology for growing and caring for osteospermum is not very well known, but this does not mean that they are complicated.
Under natural conditions, this culture is a low shrub or shrub that can reach a height of about one meter. Strong branched vertical shoots with a brownish-purple coating are covered with a large number of narrow and elongated leaves with a pointed end from 5 to 10 cm long. The edge of the leaves can be solid or with small teeth. Dark green leaves are attached to branches without cuttings (the so-called "sessile").
Inflorescences-baskets with a diameter of 6 to 7 cm are located at the ends of shoots 12 to 20 cm long, one at a time. Inflorescences consist of two types of flowers: reed and tubular. Reed flowers, painted white above and purple below, are arranged around the center in the form of a circle, consisting of tubular bluish or violet-blue flowers. Flowering lasts from June to September.
The Cape daisy is interesting in that its seeds are formed in reed flowers. And the tubular flowers that form the center are sterile. Such a structure is considered an exception to the rule.
Ostespermum Eklona serves as the basis for all created varieties and hybrids. Osteospermum "Aquila Parple" is part of the "Aquila" series, which was created by the well-known company "Pan American Seed". The height of this variety can vary from 41 to 50 cm. It is intended for growing in pots, but it is also perfect for flower beds, flower beds and decorating a balcony or loggia. Baskets-inflorescences, painted in a brownish-purple hue, are located on short shoots. The black and purple center is especially eye-catching.
Osteospermum "Aquila Parple" 
Osteospermum "Aquila"
Osteospermum "Asti" is sold in five color combinations: white, purple, lavender, purple two-tone and a mixture of all shades. The entire variety series was created by Syngenta. All plants in this series reach a height of 43-50 cm.
Osteospermum Passion is the shortest. Its height is between 15 and 25 cm and it is intended for growing in pots. But this does not exclude its use in various flower and landscape compositions. This variety is sold as a mixture of three shades: white, magenta, magenta bicolor.
Osteospermum "Asti" 
Osteospermum "Pashn"
Osteospermum "Coolness" attracts attention with its contrasting colors, aroma and tolerance of small negative temperatures (up to 5 degrees below zero). White petals combined with a dark blue-lilac center give a unique decorative effect. The height of the bushes varies from 60 to 90 cm.
A mixture of osteosperms "Sky and Ice"
A mixture of osteosperms "Sky and Ice" attracts with a beautiful combination of white and bluish-lilac shades of inflorescences.
Growing from seeds
Osteospermum belongs to plants that do not depend on the length of the day, so it can be grown equally well in spring and autumn. Usually it is sown in late February - early March.
Throughout our country, the Cape daisy is grown through seedlings. When growing osteosperm with seeds, loose, permeable soil with a slightly acidic or almost neutral reaction (pH from 5.8 to 6.2) is chosen. Best suited for this universal flower primer, which must be fresh.
They fill low containers, pots, trays. Seeds are scattered over well-moistened soil and sprinkled with a low layer of soil (1-1.5 cm). It is best to use vermiculite to sprinkle the seeds, which retains moisture around the seeds for a long time. After sowing, the containers are covered with a film or glass to maintain high soil and air humidity at the level of 95-97 percent.
Cape daisy seeds do not require light to germinate, but keeping them in the dark is also not necessary. A little light during this period can improve germination. Osteospermum germinates from seeds at a temperature of 18 to 20 degrees Celsius within 5-6 days, and roots are formed on 8-12 days. During this period, be sure to spill the soil with Fitosporin to prevent the appearance of various fungal diseases or rot.
After the germination of most of the seeds, the shelter is removed, placed in a well-lit place and the temperature is lowered to 16-17 degrees at night. As soon as the seedlings grow a little, they can be fed with a weak solution of nitrogen fertilizer with a small amount of phosphorus. Powerful lighting helps to strengthen the root system and accelerates the growth of shoots.
When one or two pairs of true leaves appear on the plants, a pick is carried out. To do this, choose plastic cups with a diameter of 3 to 5 cm and flower universal soil with a pH of 5.8-6.2. The pick is carried out very carefully, trying to save everything, even the most delicate roots.
Osteospermum seeds
A week after transplanting, the plants are again fed with a weak solution of nitrogen fertilizers. When growing, it is worth remembering that osteosperms grow and develop better at cool temperatures and powerful lighting. Also, much attention is paid to irrigation, with the help of which the soil is maintained in a sufficiently moistened state. Watering is carried out in the morning, so that by night the leaves of the plant are completely dry. Drying and overflow of an earthy coma lead to the rapid death of the bushes.
As soon as the roots of the plants are braided with a lump, they are again transferred to pots with a diameter of 10 cm, keeping an earthen lump. After this transplant, the night temperature of growing begins to gradually decrease to 10-13 degrees, and the day temperature should remain at the level of 16-21 degrees.
Flowers on the bushes appear when 4 to 6 pairs of true leaves are fully formed. The quality and quantity of flowers is directly affected by high light and cool night temperatures.
All the time, cultivation from sowing to the beginning of flowering takes from 12 to 16 weeks, subject to the implementation of agricultural technology in full. If the temperature and other growing factors cannot be maintained, then the growing time is increased. Ready seedlings are planted outside at the end of frost (May - June).
When grown indoors or in greenhouses, pests such as aphids and thrips can appear on plants. To destroy aphids, osteospermum is treated with Actellik, Tanrek or Biotlin, the solution of which is prepared according to the instructions.
Also, throughout the season, fertilizing is carried out with weak solutions of nitrogen fertilizers with small additions of phosphorus and trace elements. Plants must be watered before fertilizing.
Seeds are harvested as they ripen several times during flowering, but it is worth remembering that it is better not to do this with F1 hybrids, since they do not retain their characteristics. Such plants are best propagated using cuttings, which take root quite easily.
You can collect seeds from ordinary varieties, but if different varieties were planted nearby, you can eventually get plants with a new color.
Since the perennial osteospermum comes from southern Africa, it does not tolerate freezing temperatures. You can save it in winter in a well-lit and cool room (at 5 degrees). Shortly before frost, the bush is carefully dug up, trying to keep the entire root system intact, and placed in a container with soil.
During such storage, the plant is rarely watered, but make sure that it does not dry out much. Landing osteospermum on the street is carried out only after the end of frost. In the middle lane, this happens at the beginning of June, and in the south - at the beginning of May.
You can also use this culture when decorating an alpine slide and a rocky garden. Among stones, evergreen trees and shrubs in sunny places, it will develop and bloom well.
African chamomile or osteospermum is pretty common perennial plant in home gardens in Europe of the Compositae family. In its appearance, this flower resembles a chamomile in shape, but differs from it in a variety of bright colors - from orange to deep purple and pale pink. In our country, this garden flower is still little known, but many have already been able to appreciate its unpretentiousness, abundant and long flowering. Caring for this plant is quite simple, and growing osteospermum at home for your summer cottage can be very easy from seeds.
Osteospermum: Description, varieties and photos
Osteospermum is a tall shrub with branching, erect stems, which are strewn with dense foliage. The irregularly toothed and spatulate leaves of this flower are ovate oblong in shape and are variegated, gray or bright green.
Semi-double or double inflorescence can reach in size 4-7 cm. It consists of marginal reed flowers and central sterile tubular ones. Depending on the variety and species, the central flowers are usually blue or light blue. Marginal flowers come in a variety of colors purple to white. Very rarely you can see varieties with yellow, red, orange, pink, purple flowers.
The inflorescence lives no more than 5 days. However, new buds quickly appear in its place, thanks to which the bush blooms for a long time and constantly. Under favorable weather conditions flowering can last until almost October.
The bright flowers of African chamomile open during the day in clear weather, and close in cloudy weather and at night. This property of the osteospermum protects the pollen of the flower from the negative effects of rain or night moisture.
Varieties and types of osteospermum
The bushes of this plant can be of different shapes and heights, bloom with flowers with a wide variety of colors. This will all depend on the variety and species, the variety of which osteospermum is famous for. Some hybrid plant species stand out the original form of reed flowers, such as perennial osteospermum Akila
Carpathian daisy or Eklon's osteospermum is a heat-loving perennial shrub, therefore, in areas with cold winters, this plant is grown as an annual. The bush can grow up to one meter in height, has decorative jagged leaves and strongly branched straight stems. On the basis of Eklon's osteospermum, breeders have bred a large number of hybrid varieties, each of which differs in plant size, as well as in the color and shape of the petals.
Osteospermum conspicuous is a relatively new variety. Its distinctive feature is the change in the shades of the petals as the bud opens. In flowers, they may be white, and a fully blossomed bud may have a purple color. Moreover, the upper part of the petal is constantly lighter than the lower. The life span of one flower is 12-17 days. Then the color of the petals becomes lighter, and the bud fades. Osteospermum conspicuous, unlike the Carpathian daisy, is more difficult to grow.
Osteospermum: Growing and Care
Osteospermum loves fertile soils and well-lit areas. Because for this flower you need choose a sunny place and enrich the soil with nutrients before planting. Why mix in equal proportions:
- sod land;
- leaf ground;
- sand;
- humus.
The prepared nutrient soil is poured into the hole where the bush will be planted.
African chamomile is a thermophilic plant, but can tolerate slight frosts. Before winter, some summer residents manage to dig up plant bushes and save them at home in order to re-plant in the spring in the garden.
Feeding and watering
Osteosparmum - it is a drought tolerant and unpretentious plant. It will easily endure the temporary lack of watering and hot weather. But a prolonged lack of water is reflected in the flowers, which become smaller, lose their decorative effect and terryness.
Dislikes African chamomile and waterlogging, therefore, during the care of it, it is necessary to ensure that the soil dries out between waterings, and water does not accumulate in it.
The key to abundant flowering and successful cultivation of osteosperm is its periodic bait. Why organic and mineral fertilizers are used in turn. In order for fast-growing bushes to branch, and not stretch, they need to be pinched regularly.
At hot temperatures in the middle of summer, osteosparmum can complete flowering and lay new buds. However, it blooms profusely again literally as soon as the heat subsides.
Diseases and pests
African chamomile is a fairly resistant plant that is almost not attacked by pests and diseases.
But if the cultivation of this plant takes place in the shade, when the soil is constantly wet, then this can lead to a decrease in the immunity of the flower. In this case, the plant may be subject to fungal infections. The roots of the bush will begin to rot, and the plant itself will wither. You can save a flower only by transplanting it to a well-lit area, after treating the roots with special antifungal agents.
A bush with weak immunity can infect aphids. This pest settles on stems and leaves, and feeds on plant sap. As a result, the leaves fall off or turn yellow, and the bush itself begins to wither. Insect control must be carried out with the help of special preparations.
Organization of wintering
If African chamomile is grown in containers, then the plants are brought into the house and placed in a dark place. It is not necessary to prolong the flowering of the bush, as the plant needs a dormant period. The room where the flower remains for the winter must be cool, but at the same time not cold. The temperature should be at least 10 degrees. The dormant time of the plant lasts until March. After it is transferred to the light and watered.
On open ground, osteospermum will not be able to overwinter even under cover. The roots are dug up and stored until spring in a dry mixture of sand and peat. If this is not done, then the bush will die. As an option, it can be grown as an annual, planted from seed or prepared from cuttings each year.
flower reproduction
Osteospermum can be propagated in several ways:
- cuttings;
- seeds.
Osteospermum: Growing from seed
Sowing seeds for seedlings is done in April or March. Dry seeds are sown in seedling boxes with peat-sandy soil or in peat tablets. Some gardeners pre-soak them by mistake, as osteoperum seeds resemble ordinary seeds. However, this flower really does not like excessive moisture, therefore, in the future, the sprouts may begin to rot.
Planting seeds is carried out at a depth of not more than 5 mm. Why you can use a toothpick or skewer to sow the plant by pushing the seeds into moist soil. The box covered with polyethylene or glass is moved to a warm place with temperature not less than +21-23C. The first shoots should appear within 5-7 days after planting the seeds.
Osteospermum is a beautiful ornamental plant native to Africa.
African chamomile seedling care is as follows:
- The container with seedlings is moved to a cooler, but well-lit place.
- Seedlings are periodically watered, but at the same time it is necessary to ensure that water does not stagnate in the ground.
- After the appearance of the second leaf, the seedlings are transplanted into separate containers. When they are very stretched out, you can carefully bend the stem, laying it in a groove and sprinkle it with soil.
- You can provoke more lush flowering and slow down the stretching by pinching the bush after picking.
- With the advent of the last month of spring at home, seedlings must be hardened off. In this case, open the windows or take it out to the glazed balcony.
- In early June, seedlings can be transplanted to a permanent place of growth. Between young seedlings, the distance must be at least 25-30 cm. In the early days, care consists in watering the bushes in the morning and evening.
Propagation by cuttings of osteospermum
To propagate the plant, you can also cut it. Cuttings are prepared from bushes dug out in autumn and preserved until spring. With the help of them, from one plant, you can get several beautifully flowering and unpretentious annuals.
Cuttings 4-6 cm in size are cut with a sharp knife. The leaves are removed from below, and the segments are placed in a container with moist soil. You can use moss, perlite or vermiculite with hydrogel.
The cuttings are covered with a glass container or polyethylene and moved to a warm and well-lit place. They need to be ventilated daily, and the ground should be periodically sprayed. Which of the cuttings were able to take root can be seen in about two weeks.
Use in landscape design
Traditionally grown in flower beds, African chamomile helps to create bright accents in the foreground of shrub borders, in rock gardens, and is indispensable in decorative tubs and flowerpots in patios, on terraces.
For amateur flower growers, the versatility of the plant is most attractive - osteospermum is equally good both on terraces and in classic flower beds, balconies or verandas. In empty areas, semi-dwarf or compact species are used as ground cover. The best mix of osteospermum is suitable for artistic framing of flower beds, for central flower beds, for decorating a container garden, it just looks great in groups in mixborders. Flowering bush unpretentious and very hardy, therefore suitable for places with poor soil, rocky hills, slopes.
Combination with other colors
Osteospermum occupies an important place in the summer compositions of amateur gardeners.
In plantings, this plant goes well with erect and sun-loving herbs or annuals, such as lobularia, gazania, tender felicia, dorotheanthus or annual bluebell.
Osteospermum also looks great with geyhera, geranium, rudbeckia, caliberhoa, cosmea and Embress red verbena. All listed ornamental plants have similar requirements for their growing conditions.
Long and beautifully flowering, unpretentious care osteosparums are perfect for decorating borders and flower beds in the garden, decorating flower beds near porches, loggias and balconies. Planted African chamomile in a hanging planter can even be grown at home.
