Cape Marigold Varieties: Learn About Different Types Of African Daisies
In springtime, when I plan my decorative containers of annuals, cape marigolds are always a go-to plant for container designs. I find their 2- to 3-inch (5-7.5 cm.), daisy-like blooms irresistible for adding unique color and texture to containers, and their medium to tall heights give me another pleasant alternative to the overused spike as a “thriller.” Of course, the key to a perfect container design is selecting the perfect varieties of annual plants.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the many available cape marigold varieties.
About Cape Marigold Plants
Cape marigolds are daisy-like plants in the Dimorphotheca family. They may be found in garden centers or online nurseries labeled as Dimorphotheca, Cape Marigold, African Daisy, or Osteospermum. Their preferred common name is usually a regional matter. They are half-hardy perennials in zones 9-10 but are generally grown as annuals. True Osteospermum plant types, however, are considered perennials.
Like most favored annuals, many new, unique varieties of cape marigold have been bred. Their blooms are not only available in a wide variety of colors, but the shape of blooms can vary too. Some cape marigold varieties are cherished for unique long petals, spoon-shaped petals, or even short petals with large, colorful center discs.
Osteospermum and Dimorphotheca Plant Varieties
Here are just some of the many beautiful Dimorphotheca plant varieties you can choose from:
- 3D Purple Osteospermum – 12- to 16-inch (30.5-40.5 cm.) tall plants bearing large, ruffled blooms with dark purple centers and light purple to pink petals.
- 4D Violet Ice – Blooms are 2 inches (5 cm.) in diameter with violet purple, frilly center disc and white to icy-blue petals.
- Margarita Pink Flare – White petals with a pink hue toward petal tips on a small, dark purple center eye. Plants grow 10-14 inches (25.5-35.5 cm.) tall and wide.
- Flower Power Spider White – Bears long white to lavender, spoon-shaped petals from small, dark blue centers. Plant grows 14 inches (35.5 cm.) tall and wide.
- Mara – Unique, three tone apricot, pink, and purple petals on yellow to green center eyes.
- Peach Symphony – Bears peach to yellow petals from dark brown to black center discs.
- Serenity Lavender Frost – White petals with a blush of lavender down near the brown to dark purple center disc.
- Serenity Purple – Light purple petals with stripes of dark purple. Dark blue to purple center disc on 14-inch (35.5 cm.) tall and wide plants.
- Soprano Compact – Produces abundant blooms on a compact 10-inch (25.5 cm.) tall and wide plant. Purple petals from dark blue center discs. Great for mass planting or borders.
- Soprano Vanilla Spoon – White, spoon-shaped petals with yellow tones and yellow to tan center discs on 2-foot (0.5 m.) tall plants.
- Yellow Symphony – Golden yellow petals with purple to black center discs and a purple halo around this disc.
- African Blue-Eyed Daisy Mix – Dark blue centers available in an assortment of petal colors on large 20-24-inch (51-61 cm.) tall and wide plants.
- Harlequin Mix – Yellow and white coloring on petals on large colorful center eyes.
Seriously, there are too many varieties of cape marigolds to mention them all. They are available in nearly any color combination and work well with most other annuals. Combine Dimorphotheca varieties with dianthus, verbena, nemesia, calibrachoa, snapdragons, petunias, and many other annuals to create a stunning display.
Gardening tips, videos, info and more delivered right to your inbox!
Sign up for the Gardening Know How newsletter today and receive a free download of our DIY eBook "Bring Your Garden Indoors: 13 DIY Projects For Fall And Winter".
-
8 Plants You Should Prune In October – Don't Miss The Fall Trimming Window
Prune these plants before the frost hits to avoid pests and diseases, and to ensure healthy growth and abundant blooms next year.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
-
Climate Change And Pests: Do Warmer Winters Mean More Pests?
Warmer climates can result in an increase of some pests and decrease of others, which isn’t always a good thing. Here's how to protect your garden.
By Bonnie L. Grant
-
Cape Marigold Propagation – How To Propagate African Daisy Flowers
Also known as African daisy, cape marigold (Dimorphotheca) is an African native that produces masses of beautiful, daisy-like blooms. Cape marigold propagation is easy if you can provide plenty of sunlight and well-drained soil. Learn how to propagate it here.
By Mary H. Dyer
-
Planting Cape Marigold Seeds: How To Sow Cape Marigold Seeds
Where you live and what your climate is like will determine whether you grow cape marigold as a summer or winter annual. Planting cape marigold seeds is an inexpensive way to get started with this pretty flower. This article will help with that.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
-
Can You Grow Cape Marigold Cuttings: How To Root Cape Marigold Cuttings
It is easy to get carried away and spend a fortune on small starter cape marigold plants each spring. However, hands-on, budget-minded gardeners may prefer to only buy a few and propagate more cape marigolds from cuttings. This article will help with that.
By Darcy Larum
-
Feeding Cape Marigolds: How To Fertilize Cape Marigolds
Beginner gardeners are able to have great success when planting flowers that are robust and tolerant to adverse conditions. The cape marigold, rewards growers with bright and cheerful flowers, and both watering and feeding cape marigolds couldn’t be easier. Learn more here.
By Tonya Barnett
-
Cape Marigold Water Needs – Learn How To Water Cape Marigolds
With a more vital focus on today’s water use, many drought conscious gardeners are planting landscapes that require less irrigation. Dimorphotheca, also known as the cape marigold, is a perfect example of a flower which thrives with minimal watering. Learn more here.
By Tonya Barnett
-
What Is Dimorphotheca: Learn About Dimorphotheca Flowers
Growers who choose to start plants from seed enjoy greater variety, as well as the pride that comes from crafting their own landscapes. One flower, Dimorphotheca, is a perfect example of a flower that can easily be started from seed. Learn more about it in this article.
By Tonya Barnett
-
Dimorphotheca Problems – Troubleshooting Cape Marigold Issues
Also called rain daisy or weather prophet, there are a few varieties of cape marigold but none are related to the marigold in spite of its most common moniker. Cape marigold problems aren’t common, but the minor issues below may affect them. Learn more here.
By Becca Badgett
-
Cape Marigold Information – Growing Cape Marigold Annuals In The Garden
We're all familiar with marigolds - sunny, cheerful plants that brighten the garden all summer long. Don't, however, confuse those old-fashioned favorites with Dimorphotheca cape marigolds, which are a different plant altogether. Learn more here.
By Mary H. Dyer