Osteospermum ‘In The Pink’ – A Growing Guide
Osteospermum ‘In The Pink’ is a long‑flowering African daisy known for its bold pink petals and sun‑loving nature. Perfect for borders, containers, and vibrant summer displays, this low‑maintenance perennial thrives with minimal effort.
Introduction
Osteospermum ‘In The Pink’, commonly called African Daisy, is a vibrant, sun‑loving perennial that delivers masses of bright pink blooms from late spring right through summer. Compact, colourful, and easy to grow, it’s perfect for UK gardeners wanting reliable, drought‑tolerant colour.
It performs beautifully in:
- Sunny borders
- Patio containers
- Gravel gardens
- Mediterranean‑style plantings
Growing Conditions
Light
- Needs full sun (6+ hours daily)
- Insufficient sunlight = fewer blooms
Soil
- Must be well‑draining
- Best in sandy, gritty, or loamy soil
- pH: 6.0–7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Watering
- Water regularly during establishment
- Allow soil to dry between waterings
- Avoid overwatering — Osteospermum is drought‑tolerant once settled
Tip: Overwatering is the number one cause of root rot.
Fertilising
- Use a balanced, slow‑release fertiliser in spring
- Repeat every 6–8 weeks during active growth
- Avoid excessive feeding — too much nitrogen = leafy growth, fewer flowers
Planting Osteospermum ‘In The Pink’
Timing
- Plant in spring, after the last frost
Spacing
- Space plants 12–18 inches apart
Planting Steps
- Dig a hole the same depth as the nursery pot
- Place the plant at the same soil level
- Backfill with free‑draining soil
- Water gently to settle roots
This mirrors your typical plug‑plant planting process, making it ideal for retail listings and grow‑your‑own content.
Maintenance & Care
Pruning & Deadheading
- Deadhead spent flowers to encourage constant reblooming
- Trim lightly mid‑season to keep plants compact
Pests & Problems
- Aphids and spider mites may appear in hot weather
- Treat with organic soap sprays or neem oil
- Avoid overhead watering to reduce powdery mildew risk
Winter Care
- Hardy in mild coastal areas but may struggle in severe frost
- For colder regions:
- Bring containers indoors
- Or mulch heavily over the crown outdoors
Additional Tips
Companion Plants
Pair Osteospermum ‘In The Pink’ with:
- Lavender
- Salvia
- Verbena
- Erysimum (Wallflowers)
- Silver foliage plants (Helichrysum, Stachys)
These combinations create dramatic, drought‑tolerant summer displays.
Propagation
- Seeds: Sow indoors in spring
- Cuttings: Softwood cuttings in late spring or summer root easily
- Division: Not commonly used for this species, but possible with well‑established clumps
Where to Use Osteospermum ‘In The Pink’
- Front‑of‑border colour
- Summer containers
- Hanging baskets
- Coastal gardens (wind and salt‑tolerant)
- Hot, dry banks or slopes
Their long flowering window makes them ideal for season‑long retail or subscription plant boxes.
Conclusion
Osteospermum ‘In The Pink’ is a brilliant choice for gardeners who want bold colour, low maintenance, and long-lasting summer performance. With sun, drainage, and light feeding, this African daisy will reward you with non‑stop pink blooms.
