Bush Arctotis Plant Care

Bush Arctotis (Arctotis frutescens) belongs to the Asteraceae family within the Arctotis genus. Bush Arctotis is also known as Shrubby Arctotis.

Bush Arctotis displays a low rosette, spreading growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Bush Arctotis produces daisy-like flowers in various colors like orange, yellow, and white.

Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Bush Arctotis every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Bush Arctotis thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Arctotis frutescens tolerates temperatures of 50–75°F. Bush Arctotis prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.

Well-draining sandy soil with added compost for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for Bush Arctotis to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Bush Arctotis every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining sandy soil with added compost for nutrients. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Bush Arctotis is suited to USDA Zone 12a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Bush Arctotis can spread to about 1 ft (0.3 m) and reach about 1 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 1 ft (0.3 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Bush Arctotis while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Bush Arctotis is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Bush Arctotis can be propagated through seeds, division of clumps. Similar propagation techniques also apply to african daisy plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Bush Arctotis is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, whiteflies. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Bush Arctotis grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. In cooler regions, grow Bush Arctotis as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.