Dimorphotheca ecklonis or Osteospermum, is an ornamental plant. A native plant of South Africa, this plant is now regarded as a weed in parts of Australia, particularly Victoria and Western Australia.
Osteospermum ecklonis is an evergreen, perennial dwarf shrub with the stature heights of 25 to 50 centimeters. The leaves measure 5 to 10 × 1 to 4 inches and are glandular fluffy, sessile, elliptical, slightly succulent, narrow obovate and entire or serrated. The heads are on 15 to 20 centimeters long stems and have a diameter of 5 to 8 centimeters. The bracts are 13 to 16 millimeters long and glandular. The rays are white above and reddish-blue below. The disc is dark blue or purple. The fruit surface is net-wrinkled. It is native to the Eastern Cape in Uitenhage and Humansdorp, in South Africa, and is found on wet grass and in river beds at altitudes up to 300 meters.
Does best in conventional potting soils that contain ingredients such as peat, manure, and black hummus.
Any dying or yellowing leaves can be removed for aesthetic reasons, while any small leaves that grow off the main trunk, often called suckers, should be removed.
Because osteospermum prefers cool temperatures, plant them in the early spring, being sure to protect them from an unexpected frost. The plant is vulnerable to freezing below 23°F (-5°C) and it cannot survive temperatures that are lower than that.
Ceramic pots are the most popular type of containers for houseplants today. You'll find them in all kinds of styles, colors, and sizes. At one time, the clay pot was the most common container for indoor plants. When choosing a pot, choose a pot that is 2.5-5 cm (1-2”) larger than the current size.
