Large, pale pink daisy flowers with eyes that turn from purple to gold are borne on strong stems above fresh green foliage throughout Spring, Summer, and Autumn.
The Summersmile series bear impressively large, uniform blooms in greater abundance over a longer flowering period than other Osteospermum and have higher heat tolerance and drought resistance. As for all African or Cape daisies, Osteospermum Summersmile are nyctinastic plants, which means the flowers close at dusk and open at dawn to display the petals' richly coloured underside. Summersmile 'Light Pink' flowers are bright and sunny, with eyes of dark purple turning gold and mauve-pink petals paler above and darker below.
Osteospermum Summersmile need lots of direct light and soil with good drainage, so well-tilled garden beds in full sun and thoughtfully positioned containers are best. Plant either alone, in combination plantings, or create a multi-coloured drift of daisies for a display to make anyone smile.
The tidy, compact form of Summersmile is perfect for bordering garden beds and pathways, planting in a row at the base of a sun-facing fence, extending out along the top of a garden terrace wall.
It goes without saying that the hardy stems of Summersmile are simply made for daisy chain crowns on lazy, long, summery days.
Daisies are relatively hardy, but for the best results they do need attention and care, which is definitely worth the effort. As for all prolifically flowering plants, Summersmile needs extra nutrition, so prepare the garden bed or potting mix well by loosening the soil and digging in compost, blood and bone or other organic-based food. Mulch and water in well. In dry periods water regularly even when established. If Summersmile goes for too long without any watering, it will bounce back from a good soak, after the water is drained and soil is moist.
Once flowering begins, regular applications of liquid fertiliser are highly recommended. Remove spent flowers often to encourage more branching and additional flowers. When the weather cools and flowering ceases, lightly prune the entire plant and apply a complete, slow-release fertiliser to the soil to bring Summersmile through Winter and into another season of gorgeous flower.
Wear gloves & wash hands after gardening.
