Spider Purple Cape Daisy

Spider Purple Cape Daisy (Osteospermum ecklonis 'Spider Purple') is a low, spreading daisy from southern Africa that grows about 30cm tall and 50cm wide. Its purple flowers have rolled petals that look like the spokes of a wheel or a spider's legs, and it flowers again and again over a long season. It thrives in full sun, in the garden or in a pot.

Why you'll love it

• Pinwheel flowers. The petals are rolled into narrow spokes, so the purple blooms look quite different from an ordinary daisy.
• A long, repeating season. It is a repeat flowerer, and feeding and watering while in flower, plus removing spent blooms, keeps it going.
• Unfussy about soil. It tolerates most soils and conditions, including coastal sites and alkaline ground.
• Drought tolerant. Once established it copes with dry spells, which makes it a sensible choice for sunny, exposed spots.
• Compact and tidy. At about 30cm by 50cm it suits rockeries, borders, window boxes and containers.

Where it works best

Mass planting. Plant 40cm apart in a sunny bed for a continuous sweep of purple. The low plants knit together within a season.

Rockeries and borders. The spreading habit softens rock edges and fills the front of a sunny border, where the unusual flowers can be seen up close.

Pots and window boxes. It grows happily in containers. Use a free-draining potting mix, place it in the sunniest spot you have, and give it a regular drink while it is flowering.

Growing Spider Purple Cape Daisy in Australia

Position and climate. Plant in a full sun position. It thrives in warmth and sunshine and suits subtropical, warm temperate and Mediterranean gardens. It needs protection from frost, so in colder districts grow it in a pot that can be moved to shelter.

Soil. Free-draining soil rich in organic matter. It tolerates most soil types and planting conditions, including coastal and alkaline soils.

Water and feed. Mulch and water regularly until established, usually around 12 weeks. While it is in flower, feed and water regularly to keep the blooms coming, then ease off in cool weather.

Pruning. Remove spent flowers regularly. This encourages a longer flowering season and keeps the plant looking fresh.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Spider Purple as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly, and in 140mm pots in packs of 10. Tube stock comes from our grower and is not always available. When the tube shows as sold out, the grower has none at the moment, and the notify button on the page emails you the day it is back. Expect a small plant that begins flowering as it fills out in warm weather.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• All our cape daisies
• Plants for mass planting
• Plants for coastal areas
• Creating a cottage garden in Australia

Common questions

Why are the petals rolled?

That is the cultivar's trademark. The rolled petals make each bloom look like a wheel or a spider's legs, which is where the name comes from.

Does it like frost?

No. Protect it from frost, and in cold districts keep it in a pot that can be moved under cover over winter.

Will it grow near the coast?

Yes. It tolerates coastal conditions and alkaline soil, as long as the ground drains freely and the position is sunny.