Osteospermum - what am I doing wrong?

[Deleted User]

Osteo's are perennial, you've not got it wrong, maybe lift them and replant in a different position. that might make a difference.

Woolsery

Brie said:

I suspect I've got the wrong type of Osteo.....

A picture would help. Some of the osteospermum sold in garden centres might not be as 'perennial' as others! The yellow ones, for example; when did anyone see those going on from year to year anywhere other than a beach front or similar?

Brie

Woolsery said:

Brie said:

I suspect I've got the wrong type of Osteo.....

A picture would help. Some of the osteospermum sold in garden centres might not be as 'perennial' as others! The yellow ones, for example; when did anyone see those going on from year to year anywhere other than a beach front or similar?

I've had all variety of colours and in various locations.  I think I'll try a knowledgable garden centre to see if they can ensure I'm getting the right type.  i've bought some in the past from Lidl etc but my normal nearby garden centre is a care in the community charity one so it's a bit hit and miss as to how knowledgeable some of the staff are.

droopsnoot

twopenny said:

Are you taking the cuttings at the right time of year?

The best time to take them or dig up shoots to survive is autumn. It's when roots grow in the shoulder seasons but they can rest through winter before having to put on growth.

 I was told from August onwards but the weather has changed since then so I've always done any cuttings around October in our soft south.

I took the first ones (where I'd dug up a root from the garden) quite late last year, but the actual cuttings were taken a month or two ago.

droopsnoot

[Deleted User] said:

@Brie previous posters are right, Osteo's like very sharp draining, poor, thin, soil, they will not tolerate wet feet through the winter and like to bask in the sun.
Given all those factors they will create huge clumps that give impact to any site.

Oh, that's interesting, so I might be over-watering my cutting if that's the case. I found a note that said "avoid direct sunlight" which seems at odds with your comment that they like to bask.

Unfortunately I can't look at an unhealthy plant and know the difference between over-watering and under-watering, so I might be drowning all of them.

droopsnoot

Well, my two cuttings are pretty much dead. One of them still has some green on it, but it's only a matter of time. Oh well, try again sometime.