A curious time just now, with daffodils flowering brightly next to equally blooming Lavender (the dark arts of the nursery trade), primroses next to summer darlings such as the osteospermum with spoon-shaped petals. Not long ago these South African daisies were an unusual feature but they are a common bedding plant today from spring onwards – most have blooms of the standard daisy pattern but the most eye-catching ones have spoon-shaped petals.
The plant needs good drainage and a sheltered site in full sun. They are grown as half-hardy annuals and may survive through the winter in milder areas if given some protection. Feed well through the growing season. Flowering this much is exhausting!
There is a hardy species, Osteospermum jucundum, which grows to 30cm. But why, when you can have this beautifully mad delight?
The Teddington Gardener 