Osteospermum jucundum

Description and Characteristics

Osteospermum jucundum, also known as the Delightful African Daisy, is a semi-hardy perennial native to South Africa, prized for its daisy-like flowers, long blooming period, and ground-hugging, spreading habit. It is often grown for both its ornamental beauty and its ability to tolerate dry, sunny conditions, making it a valuable addition to Mediterranean-style gardens, rockeries, and containers.

This species produces a mass of lavender-pink to mauve flowers, typically with a darker purple eye and distinctive petal veining, from late spring into autumn. The blooms open wide in sunlight and may close during cloudy weather or at night, a charming trait of many Osteospermum.

Osteospermum jucundum is more reliably perennial than most cultivated hybrids and spreads to form a dense mat of trailing stems and mid-green foliage, making it suitable for use as a groundcover or front-of-border plant.

• Produces lavender-pink flowers with purple centres and fine veining

• Flowering period: May to October

• Height: 15–30 cm; Spread: 45–60+ cm

• Evergreen in mild winters; semi-evergreen or deciduous in colder zones

• Ideal for containers, edging, slopes, and coastal gardens

• Attractive to bees, butterflies, and pollinators

Growing Conditions and Maintenance

Osteospermum jucundum thrives in full sun, free-draining soils, and moderate feeding. Once established, it is drought-tolerant, easy to manage, and capable of flowering for months with minimal effort.

• Light Requirements:

  • Requires full sun for best flowering and compact growth

  • Flowers close in shade or overcast conditions

• Soil Preferences:

  • Grows well in sandy, loamy, or gritty soil

  • Must be well-drained—avoid heavy or waterlogged soil

  • Prefers neutral to slightly acidic pH

• Watering Needs:

  • Water regularly during the establishment phase

  • Once established, tolerates dry spells well

  • In containers, water when top few cm of compost feel dry

• Feeding:

  • Apply a balanced, slow-release fertiliser in spring

  • In containers, feed every 2–3 weeks during the growing season

  • Avoid overfeeding, which can reduce flowering

• Deadheading and Pruning:

  • Deadhead spent flowers to promote ongoing bloom

  • Trim back lightly in mid-summer to encourage bushiness and fresh flowers

  • In early spring, prune back winter-damaged growth to tidy the plant

• Winter Care:

  • Hardy in Zones 8–10 (RHS H4–H5)

  • In colder climates, treat as a tender perennial or overwinter indoors

  • Mulch in autumn for root protection or grow in containers to move to shelter

Garden Uses, Companion Plants, and Pollinator Benefits

Osteospermum jucundum is a low-maintenance, long-flowering species perfect for sun-loving, wildlife-friendly planting schemes. It offers continuous colour and texture, especially in hot, dry, and coastal environments.

• Design Applications:

  • Excellent for rockeries, gravel gardens, dry borders, and container displays

  • Perfect as edging, groundcover, or trailing from raised beds

  • Blends well in Mediterranean or xeriscape designs

• Companion Plants:

  • Pairs well with Lavandula, Erigeron, Sedum, Salvia greggii, Nepeta, and Verbena

  • Complements silver foliage plants like Stachys byzantina or Helichrysum

  • Suitable alongside succulents and other drought-tolerant perennials

• Pollinator Support:

  • Flowers are rich in nectar and attract bees, butterflies, and hoverflies

  • Provides long seasonal value for pollinator-friendly planting schemes

  • Ideal in wildlife and sensory gardens

• Container Growing:

  • Thrives in terracotta pots, troughs, or hanging baskets

  • Use peat-free, well-drained compost with added grit

  • Regular feeding and trimming will keep it flowering profusely

• Pest and Disease Resistance:

  • Generally pest-free and disease-resistant

  • Watch for aphids or mildew in crowded, humid conditions

  • Maintain airflow and avoid overwatering

• Size
  2L

We currently only deliver within the island of Ireland, other countries can be quoted for by contacting [email protected] or via telephone on 06964084
 

Standard Delivery is FREE on orders over €250*

All standard deliveries will be completed within 5-7 working days via Fastway Couriers, any delay to this delivery time, the customer will be notified by One of our staff.

The in-Store delivery charge will vary compared with online, in-store delivery charge is done on a case by case basis. 

* Only mainland Ireland addresses qualify for free delivery.
 

Live Plants Delivery

Our live plants are packed with care and diligence by our staff, our horticulturists review each plant before despatch to ensure quality is maintained.
Live Plant delivery charges are not calculated on weight but on the space required per package to ensure safe delivery, so delivery charges may vary as some plants require more space than others when packed.
All live plants are despatched within 3-5 working days where possible, our couriers aim to deliver within 48 hours of despatch from our Garden Centre to allow the plant to arrive in healthy condition.
 

Click & Collect

Can’t wait for delivery? Why not try our FREE Click & Collect service? Simply make your purchase online and collect it from our store located in Croagh Co. Limerick. Our staff will contact you by phone when your order is ready for collection (Please allow 24 hours minimum). When collecting your item, call the store on 069-64084. We will then load into your car as required. This service is available in-store 9am – 6pm Monday – Saturday (No collections on Sundays)

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If you have any further questions about the online order payment please contact us via ­069 640 84 or mail.