Osteospermum

[Deleted]

Earlier this year I planted 3 little, (well, they were little at the time), Osteospermum plants in one of the beds to fill some gaps. They are now large and sprawling but quite pretty. I know they can sometimes last the winter, would it be a good idea to cut them back? If so, how and when?

[Deleted]

I would suggest not cutting them back at all - the foliage will help protect this half hardy plant through the winter.
The chances of it surviving the winter will depend on what part of the country you live, how well sheltered your garden is, and if the plant is in a sheltered spot in your garden
It might be a good idea to take some cuttings now just to be on the safe side.

[Deleted]

Thanks for the reply, Rita, sorry about the late response, I've not been able to get to the computer for a while.

I'll take some cuttings, just in case, and I might give the clumps a bit of a tidy up. I did have one last year that survived the winter. It's in a rather out of the way spot so I just left it to do its own thing. It looks like a haystack now, so I thought I might 'doctor' the newer ones!

[Deleted]

Lucky you - my garden is too exposed for them to survive the winter

[jlottie]

I had forgotten how much I take living in the SW for granted. I don't have to worry very much about taking cuttings, in fact I cut mine back with the lawnmower when they get a bit leggy and they always seem to come back no trouble.

[Missredhead]

I came across this thread whist looking thru old ones and I was wondering how you take cuttings, Can someone please tell me.

Thanks in advance

MRH x

[Weeterrier]

Hi Thelemon. I wouldn't risk leaving your osteospermum outside. I always take cuttings, more for fun than anything else, but I lift my osteospermums from the ground, pot them up, cut them back to about 3-4 inches and remove all the leaves. I water them, then place them in the greenhouse, under the staging. I ignore them after that, until the Spring when I start watering them again. I have had one for three years now, and it is still beautiful.
I will leave it for someone else to explain cuttings, I ramble a bit, and sometimes my instructions are hard to understand
But they are very easy ;D

[thecleaninglady]

I have had an Osteospernum in my back garden now for the last 3 years. It stays out all year and gets bigger and bigger. I even had flowers on it last winter!!. I have split it and placed it in other areas of the garden and those plants too have done well. I just leave them alone for most of the year.

[Weeterrier]

Yes, I forgot There is a hardy species of osteospermum, which you may have cleaninglady. (There may be more than one, I'm no expert)
It is Osteospermum jucundum, and it does spread out beautifully. If it gets too big, it can be cut right back. In no time at all, it will form a lovely fresh clump.
If yours is one of the "tender" ones, well done that woman! ;D