Cape daisy (Dimorphotheca barberae)
Care, watering, light and tips for Cape daisy on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Asteraceae
- Difficulty: Easy to care for
- Watering: every 7 days
- Light: Full sun
- Temperature: 0–35 °C
- Toxicity: Toxic to pets
About Cape daisy
Dimorphotheca barberae, commonly known as the Eastern Cape Rain Daisy, is a prolific flowering herbaceous perennial native to South Africa. Its vibrant, daisy-like blooms, often in shades of pink, purple, or white, open with the sun, creating a colorful display. It is ideal for rock gardens, sunny borders, or as ground cover, adding cheer and color to any garden.
Native range
South Africa, specifically in the Eastern Cape province.
Care tips
It requires full sun for optimal flowering, at least 6 hours daily. Watering should be moderate, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings; it is drought-tolerant once established. It prefers well-drained, even poor soils, and does not tolerate waterlogging. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can promote leafy growth at the expense of flowers.
How to save a dying Cape daisy
- Warning signs
- Wilted, droopy leaves, unopened or prematurely dropped flowers, soft stems.
- First aid
- Check soil moisture. If dry, water deeply. If waterlogged, repot with fresh soil and ensure drainage. Move to full sun.
- What kills it
- Overwatering (root rot) or constant shade (no blooms, weakens plant).
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if roots aren't completely rotten or main stem isn't severely damaged.