Dimorphotheca sinuata
Dimorphotheca sinuata · Asteraceae
📷 Winfried Bruenken (Amrum) · CC BY-SA 2.5
The gardener's calendar
In autumn, ease off feeding and take the chance to clean up around dimorphotheca sinuata and prepare for winter.
ID card
- Common name
- Cape Marigold, African Daisy
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Blooming
- Spring to summer (March-September)
- Adult size
- 30-50 cm in height
- Growth
- Fast
- Hardiness
- Tender (0-5 °C)
- Exposure
- Full sun
- Origin
- South Africa
Expert tips
The key tip
Arrosez régulièrement mais légèrement durant la croissance (sol humide, jamais détrempé), et réduisez drastiquement en hiver—c'est la clé pour éviter la pourriture racinaire qui tue la plupart des plants. Pincez les tiges jeunes pour forcer la ramification et obtenir une silhouette compacte et fleurie.
The common mistake
Trop arroser en automne-hiver : beaucoup de jardiniers gardent le même régime d'été et la plante pourrit lentement au-dessous du sol avant qu'on s'en aperçoive.
The pro's trick
Semez directement en place ou en pot bien drainé 6 à 8 semaines avant la dernière gelée; la germination est rapide (7-10 jours) et la plante déteste être repiquée, donc moins on la touche, mieux c'est.
Seasonal watch
En automne-hiver, surveille l'humidité stagnante sous les feuilles basses : c'est le moment où l'oïdium et la pourriture grise s'installent, aère régulièrement et retire les feuilles mortes au sol.
Care
Exposure
Place your Dimorphotheca in full sun, for a minimum of 6 hours per day, to guarantee generous blooming and beautiful flower coloration. In partial shade, the plant often becomes sparse and produces fewer flowers. Protect it from strong winds that can damage the stems and delicate petals.
Watering
Water regularly but moderately, keeping the soil moist without excess humidity. During the summer period, increase watering frequency if the soil dries out quickly. Reduce water supply at the end of the season. Avoid wetting the foliage to prevent fungal diseases.
Soil
Prefer well-draining, light and slightly fertile soil. A substrate that is too rich promotes foliage at the expense of flowers. Adding sand or flowering plant potting mix improves drainage. Avoid heavy and clay soils that retain moisture.
Fertilizer
Apply low-nitrogen fertilizer once or twice a month during blooming. Excess rich fertilizer causes excessive foliage development at the expense of flowers. Prefer a balanced fertilizer for flowering plants or dilute it further.
Pruning and maintenance
Pinch young shoots to encourage dense and compact branching. Regularly remove spent flowers to extend blooming. At the end of the season, lightly cut back the plant to aerate it. Clean up dead or diseased leaves that accumulate at the base.
Diseases and pests
Watch for powdery mildew or root rot in case of excess moisture. Spider mites can affect the plant in dry, hot environments. Ventilate regularly and maintain foliage hygiene. Treat any infestation promptly by isolating the plant if necessary.
Did you know?
Dimorphotheca sinuata owes its name to the particularity of its flowers which have two different forms of florets: the flowers of the central disk are tubular while those on the periphery are ligulate. Nicknamed the "African Daisy", it was already being cultivated in Western gardens in the 19th century for its undeniable spring beauty and its generous temperament as an ornamental plant.
Buying and planting
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- SunflowerHelianthus annuus
- YarrowAchillea millefolium
- Ox-eye daisyLeucanthemum vulgare
- SneezewortAchillea ptarmica
- Canadian goldenrodSolidago canadensis
- WormwoodArtemisia absinthium
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.