Does osteospermum do well in pots?
Grow osteospermum in a sheltered spot in well-drained soil in full sun. They are perfect for adding colour to containers as they flower for months from May through to September. Osteospermum is a sun-loving plant and unlikely to thrive in anything other than full sun. Can osteospermum grow in pots? This plant is an ideal choice for container displays, window boxes, and hanging baskets, quickly filling them with a profusion of vibrant flowers for months on end.Cutting them back hard in the autumn may work with some varieties in sheltered areas but few will shoot again properly next spring and it is best to start again then with new young plants. Osteospermum will grow well in any moderately fertile, warm site in full sun.Most gardeners treat osteospermum as an annual, disposing of the plant after one growing season and replacing the following spring. In a mild winter it is possible to overwinter some osteospermum so they come back for another year, though results tend to be mixed and it is often not worth the effort.Many osteospermum are tender or half hardy and are usually treated as annuals or summer bedding plants. But there are some varieties that will come back every year, if planted in the right location and given winter protection.
Do you cut back Osteospermum after flowering?
Pruning Osteospermum is a simple but effective way to encourage a bushier, healthier plant. Cutting back leggy growth in early spring helps maintain a compact shape. Throughout the growing season, a little light pruning after flowering will keep the plant looking tidy and fresh. Cutting them back hard in the autumn may work with some varieties in sheltered areas but few will shoot again properly next spring and it is best to start again then with new young plants. Osteospermum will grow well in any moderately fertile, warm site in full sun.As most Osteospermums can only be considered half hardy, it’s always best to propagate new plants by taking cuttings each year. This is preferable to over-wintering large plants. We normally take our 5cm stem tip cuttings in autumn, although they can be rooted at any time of year given the right conditions.Grow osteospermum plants in any well drained soil in a warm, sheltered position in full sun.
How do I overwinter my osteospermum?
Some osteospermum are annuals and will not overwinter successfully. For the hardy perennial types, you should not leave the roots exposed while overwintering them. The roots should be covered in soil to prevent desication. Treat the plant as a houseplant and water it every week or two. If your osteospermum shows signs of debilitation (stunted plants with low vigour and which wilt easily) and your soil is of the type described above, your plant may well have root rot. Affected plants can be identified by digging them up and washing the roots,” shares Master Horticulturist Roy Nicol.