Dimorphotheca is native to the tropical regions of Africa and South Africa. Species include annuals, or evergreen perennials that are found mainly in sandy, mildy arid habitats.
Plants in the genus Dimorphotheca are called African Daisies, but so are the plants in the genus Osteospermum. Both groups of plants are very closely related.
D. sinuata is the best known of annual African daisies. It bears flowers with yellow centers or dark centers with flecks of yellow, and orange-yellow rays, which are deep violet at base.
| Plant Types: | Annual, Interior Plant |
| Light: | Full Sun |
| Height: | 5 inches to 1 foot |
| Width: | 10 inches to 1 foot |
| Bloom Color: | Yellow |
| Bloom Seasons: | Late spring, Early summer, Mid summer, Late summer, Early fall |
| Leaf Color: | Green |
| Special Features: | Naturalizing, Not North American native |
| Shape: | Spreading or horizontal |
| Fertilizer: | Miracle-Gro® Water Soluble All Purpose Plant Food |
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Propagate from the seed in early spring in containers (late fall or early winter in mildest climates). Plant out when the threat of frost has passed. Another option is to sow seeds directly into the ground in midspring when the climate has warmed up.
Use in broad masses as ground cover, in borders and parking strips. 4-12 inches tall. Dimorphotheca does best in full sun. Grow in a sheltered site. Good container plants. They also work well in a border or bedding. Perennials are often grown as annuals.
Daisy flowers, come in a variety of colors such as white, yellow, pink, and orange, with violet-brown or violet-blue central disks. Flowers will close when shaded, at night, or when an overcast is present. Flower heads 1.5 inches across. Blooms from summer to first frost. Deadhead on a regular basis in order to lengthen the flowering period.
Light soil with moderate watering. Soil must be well-draining.
Fertilization is not generally required for good plant output.
Pruning is not usually necessary.
Problems include wilt, rust, and gray mold.