Arctotis

Arctotis – Best Plants In NZ!

Growing African-daisy plants (Arctotis) delivers a vast range of benefits:

• They attract birds and bees.
• Greater biodiversity is created.
• Children can learn the plants and become more involved with nature.
• They bring colour and vibrance to a space.
• These plants will bring you pleasure for many years to come.

We have a wide range of African-daisy plants of all sizes and colours that are ready for their new home. We are here to help you find the right Arctotis for your space. Choose from a wide variety of locally grown plants that have been propagated and bred to thrive in NZ’s climate. We stock only the highest quality plants, sourcing them from NZ’s leading nurseries. Each plant is packed and transported with extreme care, ensuring it arrives to you in the same condition it was in when it left the nursery. If you are wanting to buy Arctotis, shop with confidence from the best in the industry.

Arctotis Questions

1. What is Arctotis?

Arctotis, also known as African daisy, is a genus of flowering plants in the Asteraceae family. They are native to South Africa, but are now grown world-wide. Arctotis are reknowned for their large, daisy-like flowers and dense foliage.

2. What are the different types of Arctotis?

There are over 60 different species of Arctotis, and some of the popular ones are:

• Arctotis x hybrida: This species is a hybrid of several different Arctotis species and features large and showy flowers in a variety of colours.
• Arctotis stoechadifolia: This species is known for its silver-grey foliage and its ability to thrive in dry conditions.
• Arctotis acaulis: This species is known for its low-growing, mat-forming growth habit, and its ability to thrive in coastal conditions.

3. What conditions do Arctotis need to grow?

Arctotis plants prefer full sun or partial shade and well-drained soil. They are tolerant of a wide range of soils but perform best on a loam soil. Arctotis plants are also tolerant of dry periods but certainly benefit from regular watering during the growing season.

4. How do I plant Arctotis?

To plant an Arctotis, choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil. Dig a hole that is twice as wide as the root ball of the plant and plant the Arctotis at the same depth as it was growing in the pot. Fill the hole with soil and gently firm the plant in during the process. Water the plant once it is in and keep up the watering regime until the plant has begun to grow, as well as during dry periods.

5. When do Arctotis flower?

Arctotis typically flower in the spring, summer, and autumn. However, the exact timing of flowering will vary depending on the species and growing conditions.

6. Does Arctotis come back each year?
Arctotis is a perennial plant in temperate climates, but it is grown as an annual in cold climates. In cold climates, it will die back in autumn and need to be replanted in the spring.

7. Do Arctotis like sun or shade?

Arctotis prefer full sun to partial shade. They need at least six hours of sunlight per day to flower well. If you live in a hot climate, it is best to plant them in a spot where they will get some afternoon shade to protect them from the hottest part of the day. They can tolerate some shade, but they will not bloom as profusely as they would in full sun.

8. Is Arctotis the same as Osteospermum?

Arctotis is not the same as Osteospermum. While they are both members of the Asteraceae family and are known for their daisy-like flowers, they are different genera of plants. Arctotis is commonly known as African daisy, while Osteospermum is commonly known as Cape daisy. Arctotis plants are native to South Africa, while Osteospermum plants are native to southern Africa.

9. What is the difference between Gazania and Arctotis?

Gazania and Arctotis are both members of the Asteraceae family and are known for their daisy-like flowers. However, there are some key differences between the two genera:

Gazania

• Has fleshy, lobed leaves
• Flowers have a central disk and ray florets
• Ray florets are typically brightly coloured and have a dark base
• Flowers close at night or on cloudy days

Arctotis

• Has hairy, silvery leaves
• Flowers have a central disk and ray florets
• Ray florets are typically in pastel colours
• Flowers stay open at night and on cloudy days
• More drought-tolerant than Gazania

10. Can you divide Arctotis?

You can divide Arctotis plants and this is a great way to propagate these plants and create new ones. Here is a general guide on how to divide Arctotis:

Best time to divide:

• The best time to divide Arctotis is in the spring, when the plants are actively growing but before they start blooming.
• You can also divide them in autumn after they have finished blooming.

How to divide Arctotis:

1. Water the plant well the day before you plan to divide it. This will help to loosen the soil and make it easier to dig up.
2. Dig up the entire plant. Use the spade or trowel to carefully dig around the base of the plant, making sure to get as much of the root system as possible.
3. Divide the plant into smaller sections. Use your hands or a knife to gently pull the plant apart into several smaller sections. Each section should have at least three to five healthy leaves and good amounts of roots.
4. Plant the divisions in their new locations. Prepare a hole in the soil that is large enough to accommodate the roots of the division. Plant the division at the same depth it was growing in the original location.
5. Water the newly planted divisions well. Keep the soil moist for the first few weeks until the plants are established.

11. Do African daisies spread?

African daisies (Arctotis) do spread, but the extent of their spreading depends on the specific species and growing conditions:

• Most African daisy varieties have a mounding or spreading growth habit, naturally expanding outward over time.
• Some species, like the Osteospermum fruticosum (shrubby or trailing African daisy), have underground rhizomes that actively spread the plant, creating a wider ground cover.
• Certain African daisy varieties can self-seed, meaning they drop seeds that germinate and grow into new plants around the parent plant, contributing to further spread.

12. What is Arctotis used for?

Arctotis, commonly known as African Daisy, has various uses in gardens and other settings, including:

Garden Uses:

• Bedding plants: The vibrant flowers and compact growth habit of many Arctotis varieties make them ideal for bedding displays adding color and texture to borders and flower beds.
• Ground covers: Some species, like Osteospermum fruticosum (trailing African daisy), with their spreading nature, are excellent for covering large areas and suppressing weeds.
• Containers: Many varieties thrive in containers, adding bright splashes of color to patios, balconies, and entryways.
• Rock gardens: Their drought tolerance and low-maintenance needs make them perfect for rock gardens and other well-drained landscapes.
• Cut flowers: Some Arctotis varieties produce long-lasting blooms suitable for cutting and arranging in bouquets.

Other Uses:

• Pollinator attractant: The colorful flowers attract butterflies, bees, and other pollinators, benefiting the local ecosystem.
• Erosion control: Their dense root systems help stabilize soil and prevent erosion, especially on slopes and banks.
• Medicinal properties: While not widely used today, some traditional medicine practices utilize Arctotis for its potential anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties.

Additionally, Arctotis offers:

• Low maintenance: These hardy plants require minimal care, making them suitable for novice gardeners.
• Drought tolerance: They are well-adapted to dry conditions, requiring less frequent watering.
• Long blooming period: Many varieties bloom profusely throughout the summer and sometimes into fall, providing extended color in your garden.
• Variety of colors: Arctotis comes in a range of colors, including white, pink, red, orange, yellow, and purple, offering diverse options for your landscape design.

Overall, Arctotis is a versatile and valuable plant for various applications due to its beauty, ease of care, and beneficial properties. Its vibrant colors, diverse forms, and long bloom times make it a popular choice for gardeners and landscapers alike.