Osteospermum fruticosum is now known as Dimorphotheca fruticosa. It has a variety of common names, the most popular being Creeping Marguerite and Trailing African Daisy.
This evergreen groundcover is quite fast-growing. It grows to a height of just under 30cm and a width of 70cm. The flowers are about 5cm wide and appear mostly in spring, but there will be a few random flowers spread throughout the year. The flowers close at night and on cloudy days. In nature Osteospermum fruticosum has white flowers, but hybrids with pink, maroon, or yellow flowers are also available.
Osteospermumm fruticosum is native to South Africa, growing along the coast in the Western Cape, Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal. It should be planted in full sun and well-drained soil with some compost added. It is quite drought-tolerant once established. I water mine once every second week, but small plants should be watered more regularly, especially in hot, dry weather.
Osteospermum fruticosum grows very easily from cuttings, taken during autumn or spring. They will be ready for planting out in the garden within a couple of months. Remember that in Cape Town autumn (especially the month of April) is the best time for planting out most indigenous plants.
