Summertime® Sweet Purple Osteospermum Plant

Summertime® Sweet Purple Osteospermum suits its name as it was bred for heat tolerance and maintains its sunny daisy sweetness throughout the summer heat. Large blooms in a beautiful shade of purple fade to white just before the eye. With pleasing symmetry and that eternally cheerful daisy personality, these plants will also double as indoor flowers - fill a vase for your summer dinner table!

Planting Instructions:

• - Plant in spring after the last frost date

Soil Preparation:

• - Ideal soil pH: 6.0-7.0

Watering Specifics:

• - Water deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry
• - Once established, Osteospermum is relatively drought-tolerant

Fertilizer Type:

• - Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in spring
• - Apply a water-soluble fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season

Pruning and Training:

• - Pinch back growing tips early in the season to encourage bushier growth
• - Deadhead spent blooms to promote continuous flowering

Additional Pest Management:

• - Watch for common pests like aphids, whiteflies, and spider mites

Blooming Indicators:

• - Blooms from spring through fall, with peak flowering in cooler temperatures

Light Requirements:

• - Prefers full sun
• - Can tolerate partial shade, but flowering may be reduced

Temperature Tolerance:

• - Can tolerate light frost but not prolonged freezing temperatures
• - Flowering may slow or stop during periods of extreme heat

Companion Plants for Osteospermum:

• - Verbena: Their clusters of small flowers contrast nicely with Osteospermum's larger blooms
• - Lobelia: The delicate flowers and trailing habit of Lobelia complement Osteospermum well
• - Heliotrope: Their fragrant, deep purple flowers provide a nice contrast to Osteospermum
• - Diascia: These plants offer similar growing conditions and complementary flower shapes
• - Argyranthemum: Another daisy-like plant that pairs well with Osteospermum for a cohesive look