Osteospermums

[andy]

Just been to the GC and they had a superb display of Osteospermums....some of the best colours i've seen for many years.

Anyone else partake ?

[Deleted]

I really like osteospermums, andy. I still have one from last year that I've cut back, just to see if it'd re shoot. I think they are really cheerful, reliable, plants. What colours did you get?

[andy]

Alas i don't have full sun or much room so they're not for me i'm afraid....i might get some for work, they'll love the gritty, dry soil of an alpine scree.

I suppose i could get a few for a tub down the bottom of the garden in the exotic area (exotic as in tropical, not lots of hula hula girls ;D )

[Amo]

I have the perennial as it's a superb ground cover but I think they are struggling a little on my slightly alkaline soil. They seem to be having a little chlorosis. They're usually as tough as old boots. I've given one group a little sequested iron to see if it helps.

I think I may try some of the more tender ones as I now have the space to over winter and they do, as you say, come in the yummiest colours!

[andy]

Saw a gorgeous variety yesterday called 'copper purple'....just been back to the GC to get some and they'd all gone .

But...i looked at the section that sells the plugs and they had exactly the same variety in small pots....so i got 10 for £7.90 ;D

[andy]

Gorgeous

[Rosefriend]

There are some gorgeous colours and varieties and I tend to buy a couple every year - they are only summer bedding plants here.

RF

[Chuckles]

I love them but have never been able to keep them. Last year I got some cuttings from a house up the road. OH was doing a job there and had to dig some up, I got the broken off bits when I took him a cuppa ;D They took root very well and I planted them in one of the borders, they flowered last year too. I've just given them a hair cut a few days ago as I could see new growth appearing. The hair cut means I've more cuttings, well I couldn't throw them away ;D

[Amo]

If it's the hardy perennial one Chuckles, it can become a pain in the bum! But I do love them and their tempermental sunshine opening and closing and they're evergreen!!

I'm a bit sad mine don't seem to like the chalk here, I had loads of it in past houses. I've got a horrible, useless and steep bank along the front of the property and a whole show of them would be spectacular!! I still have dozens of cuttings though and pop them in just in case they get used to it. ;D

[Chuckles]

I reckon were I was going wrong before Amo was probably because I was buying the annual ones Could you somehow make special beds in the bank for them to grow. Just a thought, I sometimes try all sort off daft ideas to try and get plants to grow

[Amo]

I am trying Chuckles, and some are doing well but you know that hole I have in one of the front lawns.... Think that with only one side

[Weeterrier]

I'm fond of Osteospermums, and usually overwinter them like my Fuchsias. However, I left the greenhouse unheated this year, and although the Fuchsias are fine, the Osteospermums have popped their clogs. I had managed to keep a Yellow daisy, the ones which used to be called Chrysanthemum, can't remember what they are called now, for four years, but I lost it too.Luckily, I gave a friend one, and hers has survived, so I'll be able to take cuttings.
Back to the paraffin next year.

[Ladygardener]

Would anyone know if my white ones with the purplish tinge on the backside of the petals are perennial or not, they've survived the winter just sitting in the flowerbed and now have lots of buds. I grew them from a cutting someone gave me last year. Might just have been beginners luck or maybe they'd survive anywhere this type.

[Amo]

Does sound like it. They can have quite a flush to them but mine are an almost white puce colour. I've just been right around the garden and none are out, plenty of buds but no sun

[Ladygardener]

thanks Amo, another week or two then for the flowers I'd say

[Amo]

Heres one from today!!

[Cheerypeabrain]

I've sown some seed 'Pink Fizz' this week...the annual type I think. They're germinating already ;D

[Ladygardener]

Amo that's lovely,thanks for posting it, from what I remember from last year mine are like that but I've still none out yet.

[Auricula]

I've got several different colours in flower ( they nearly all survive the winter outside, here ).White,yellow pale and dark purple - just hope we see more sun and less low cloud than we have had recently or they look a bit sorry for themselves with half curled flowers!!
I try to buy a different coloured one each year and I am particularly pleased with the yellow one I bought last year,it's coming on a treat .Don't bother buying the fancy petalled ones though - they sneakily revert to the bog standard flower shape when they flower for a second time

[Ladygardener]

that's good info to know about them reverting Auricula ;D

[Amo]

The Tresco Pink in my Wisley thread looks identicle to my hardy ones and they did have a couple of huge clumps of it. It was in a sheltered enough spot to have a cactus outside not far from it though!! I think that the darker the flower, the more tender it can be. Of course the garden centre only had the same one as mine and not the Tresco!!

I think Auricula in Cornwall and the name Tresco sort of gives the game away about selective hardiness!!! ;D ;D

[Auricula]

;D ;D

[Ladygardener]

mine are starting to bloom now too I'm pleased to say

[Weeterrier]

Think you are on a roll this year LNG

[Auricula]

It's like the middle of winter here this morning - my osteos look terribly confused!!

[Ladygardener]

;Done of the bright orange calandula was in bloom yesterday it lives with the osterspermum,, they're all full of buds

[Auricula]

I'm away for the weekend from tomorrow (O.H's 60th!! ) and am hoping to see everything in bud/flower, when I return on Monday ;D ;D ;D

[Ladygardener]

hope you have a great time Auricula,

[Amo]

While you're away, I'm sure the osteo's will be having a whale of a time, glowing and basking in the sun!!! ;D ;D Enjoy!! ;D

[Auricula]

I'm back - had a great time - it's like the middle of summer here and the osteos are in full bloom and fine fettle... ;D ;D