Dimorphotheca polyptera Plant Care

Dimorphotheca polyptera (Dimorphotheca polyptera) belongs to the Asteraceae family within the Dimorphotheca genus. Dimorphotheca polyptera is native to the Northern Cape, Western Cape and Namibia.

Dimorphotheca polyptera displays a low spreading ground cover growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Dimorphotheca polyptera produces bright daisy-like flowers in various colors.

Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Dimorphotheca polyptera 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.

Dimorphotheca polyptera thrives in full sun.

Dimorphotheca polyptera tolerates temperatures of 50–80°F. Dimorphotheca polyptera prefers humidity levels of 30–60%.

Well-draining sandy soil mix with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Dimorphotheca polyptera to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Dimorphotheca polyptera 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 and well-draining sandy soil mix with added organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Dimorphotheca polyptera 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.

Dimorphotheca polyptera can spread to about 2 ft (0.5 m) and reach about 1 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.5 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 Dimorphotheca polyptera 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.

Dimorphotheca polyptera 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.

Dimorphotheca polyptera can be propagated through seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to cape marigold plant care, which shares the same genus.

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

Dimorphotheca polyptera is susceptible to aphids, spider mites. 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.

Dimorphotheca polyptera grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Dimorphotheca polyptera is native to the Northern Cape, Western Cape and Namibia. In cooler regions, grow Dimorphotheca polyptera as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.