Osteospermum Ecklonis 'Blue Eyed Beauty'

African Daisy ‘Blue Eyed Beauty’

Botanical Name: Osteospermum ecklonis ‘Blue Eyed Beauty’
Family: Asteraceae
Origin: South Africa
Plant Type: Evergreen perennial (short-lived in very hot or wet areas)

Overview

A vibrant, sun-loving daisy perfect for South Australian gardens, Osteospermum ecklonis ‘Blue Eyed Beauty’ produces masses of striking golden-yellow blooms with a vivid violet-blue centre. Flowering prolifically from late winter through spring and again in autumn, this hardy performer adds a burst of colour to coastal, cottage, or Mediterranean-style landscapes. Compact and low-growing, it’s ideal for borders, pots, and mass plantings where long-lasting colour and low water needs are key.

Key Features

• Mature Size: 0.25–0.35 m H × 0.4–0.6 m W
• Growth Rate: 20-40 cm per year under good conditions
• Foliage: Mid-green, slightly fleshy leaves; may develop bronze tints in cooler weather
• Flowers: Large golden-yellow petals with deep blue centres, blooming late winter to early summer, with a repeat flush in autumn
  
• Seasonal Interest: Brilliant colour in spring and autumn; attractive evergreen foliage year-round
• Wildlife Value: Attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators
• Tolerance: Drought-, heat-, and wind-tolerant once established; light frost-tolerant; handles coastal exposure in well-drained soil
• Planting Density: 4–6 plants per m² for a dense, flower-filled display
• Pet Friendly: Non-toxic to cats and dogs

Where It Works Best

• Sunlight: Full sun is essential for best flowering; tolerates light afternoon shade in very hot inland areas
• Soil: Prefers free-draining sandy or loamy soils; avoid heavy, wet clays
• Water Needs: Establishment: 2 deep soaks/week for 8–12 weeks. Established: deep soak every 10–14 days in summer; monthly in winter if dry
• Maintenance: Low maintenance – remove spent flowers to extend blooming; light trim after flowering; avoid high-nitrogen fertilisers
• Lifespan: 5–8 years in well-drained conditions
• Climate Zones: Ideal for Mediterranean and temperate regions – thrives across Adelaide, Fleurieu Peninsula, Yorke Peninsula, and coastal SA
• Soil pH: Neutral to slightly alkaline

Landscape & Design Ideas

• Coastal Gardens: Perfect for coastal slopes, verges, and beachside plantings – shrugs off salt and wind
• Front Gardens & Path Edges: Great for sunny borders, rockeries, or driveways where you need a splash of cheerful yellow and blue contrast
• Mixed Borders: Pair with Lavender, Salvia, Leucophyta ‘Silver Nugget’, or Gazania for complementary hues and textures

Why You Will Love It

‘Blue Eyed Beauty’ thrives in Adelaide’s warm, dry climate — rewarding you with months of dazzling colour and almost no fuss. Its bold yellow flowers with vivid blue centres make a show-stopping feature in pots, garden beds, or coastal landscapes, all while shrugging off heat, wind, and low water.