Flower Library
Cape Daisy
Osteospermum · Korbblütler (Asteraceae)
With its daisy-like blooms and often boldly contrasting centre, the Cape Daisy brings instant summer mood to the vase. Light, cheerful and unpretentious, it pairs beautifully with other summer flowers. At the Veiling Rhein-Maas we hand-pick A1-grade stems ourselves, so the blooms reach you freshly cut and with firm stems.
- Season
- April – May – June – July – August – September – October
- Vase life
- 5–8 days
- Latin name
- Osteospermum
- Colors
- White, Violet, Purple, Pink, Yellow, Orange, Bronze, Bicolour
Botanically the Cape Daisy belongs to the daisy family, which explains its characteristic flower form: a dense central disc of many tiny florets ringed by radiating ray petals. The range includes classic single-colour varieties as well as bicoloured forms and spoon-shaped types whose ray petals are rolled into little tubes at the base. The colour palette spans pure white, violet and purple through to warm yellows, oranges and bronze tones.
In floristry we value the Cape Daisy as an airy, natural accent. It suits loose summer bouquets, meadow-style arrangements and romantic country designs. The stems are pliable, so we like to use them as flowing lines that lend a bouquet lightness. The open blooms also work well in table arrangements and small foam pieces because they never look heavy.
A hallmark of fresh stock is firm, upright stems and flowers that have only just opened. Look closely and you will notice that Cape Daisies respond strongly to light: in sun and daylight the blooms open wide, while in the evening and in dull weather they close again. This is no flaw but part of their charm, and a clear sign that the plant is alive and vigorous.
Stylistically the Cape Daisy harmonises with everything that says summer: grasses, gypsophila, cosmos, zinnias or herb sprigs. In monochrome bouquets it underlines a calm palette, while in colourful mixes it adds cheerful dots. Because the blooms open during the day, a bouquet presents a slightly different picture throughout the day, something many of our customers especially love.
Care
- 01Cut the stems at an angle and place them in clean, lukewarm water; a sharp knife protects the vessels better than scissors.
- 02Keep the vase in a bright spot but away from harsh midday sun and radiators, or the blooms open too fast and fade sooner.
- 03Remove any lower leaves that would sit in the water so it stays clear for longer.
- 04Change the water every two days and trim the stem ends fresh; flower food noticeably extends the display life.
- 05Do not worry if the flowers close in the evening or in dull weather, this is normal and not a sign of poor freshness.
Frequently asked
- How long does a Cape Daisy last in the vase?
- With a fresh cut, clean water and a cool spot, Cape Daisies usually last five to eight days. Because we buy A1-grade stock directly at the Veiling Rhein-Maas, the stems reach you especially fresh, making the upper end of that range realistic.
- Is the Cape Daisy toxic to cats, dogs or children?
- The true Cape Daisies of the genus Osteospermum are considered non-toxic; the ASPCA also lists the plant as safe for cats, dogs and horses. As with many plants, large amounts swallowed may cause mild stomach upset, but in general they are safe in a household with pets and children.
- When is the Cape Daisy in season?
- The main season runs from late spring into autumn, roughly April to October. During this period the flowers are available at the Veiling Rhein-Maas in top quality and a wide range of colours, ideal for fresh, summery bouquets.
- Why do the flowers close in the evening?
- Cape Daisies react to light: they open wide in sunshine and close at dusk or in dull weather. Keep the vase in a bright spot during the day so the blooms show at their best. This behaviour is completely normal and shows the flower is vigorous.