
Photo: yakovlev.alexey from Moscow, RussiaCC BY-SA 2.0via Wikimedia Commonsresized / cropped
African Daisy Plant Care
Euryops speciosissimus DC.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
With its striking silvery-green foliage and bright yellow daisy-like flowers, this plant originating from South Africa adds a pop of color to any garden. Plant collectors are drawn to its unique appearance and ability to attract pollinators, making it a desirable addition to any collection.
Every 7–10 days
Full sun to partial shade
50–80°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for African Daisy?
Plant African Daisy in full sun to partial shade (USDA zones 9a–11b) and water a young shrub every 7–10 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 50–80°F (10–27°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the African Daisy Native To?
What Is the African Daisy?
African Daisy (Euryops speciosissimus) belongs to the Asteraceae family within the Euryops genus. African Daisy is native to the fynbos region of South Africa. African Daisy is also known as Golden Daisy, Euryops megalanthus.
African Daisy displays a compact, mounding shrub growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. African Daisy produces bright yellow daisy-like flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.
How Often Should You Water a African Daisy?
Water a young or newly planted African Daisy 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.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–10 days
Until established; then in dry spells
What Light Does the African Daisy Need?
African Daisy thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the African Daisy Prefer?
Euryops speciosissimus tolerates temperatures of 50–80°F. African Daisy prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
50–80°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a African Daisy?
Well-draining sandy soil mix with added compost for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for African Daisy to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a African Daisy?
Feed African Daisy 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.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
Where Should You Plant a African Daisy?
Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining sandy soil mix with added compost for nutrients. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.
African Daisy is suited to USDA Zone 9a – 11b.
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.
How Far Apart Should You Plant a African Daisy?
African Daisy can spread to about 3 ft (0.9 m) and reach about 3 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 3 ft (0.9 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.
How Do You Prune a African Daisy?
Prune African Daisy 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.
How Do You Care for a African Daisy in Winter?
African Daisy is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 9). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.
How Do You Propagate a African Daisy?
African Daisy can be propagated through softwood cuttings, division. Similar propagation techniques also apply to caraea pinifolia plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the African Daisy Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list African Daisy, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the African Daisy?
African Daisy 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.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the African Daisy Need?
African Daisy grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9a – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 9a. African Daisy is native to the fynbos region of South Africa. In cooler regions, grow African Daisy as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 9a – 11b
Keep exploring plants
African Daisy is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Euryops genus — compare its care with other Euryops species on PlantoScan.
Euryops is part of the Asteraceae plant family — browse all Asteraceae genera and species.
African Daisy thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Euryops Species
Other Euryops species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Euryops speciosissimus DC., family Asteraceae (first published in Prodr. 6: 444 (1838)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list African Daisy, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: yakovlev.alexey from Moscow, Russia, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 9a – 11b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
