Blue-eyed African Daisy Arctotis stoechadifolia

Arctotis includes approximately 50 species of colorful daisy-like flowers.  These annual or tender perennials in the Aster family are native to Africa and are commonly called African daisies.

First described by Peter Jonas Bergius in 1767, Arctotis stoechadifolia grows in the dunes of its native habitat along the west coast of Cape Province, where its preference for dry conditions is met.

The wooly hairs on the leaves are gray-green, and the creamy white flowers put on a great show in the spring and summer.  The showy flowers are produced above the foliage on multi-branching stems.  The center of each flower holds a steel blue eye with a yellow ring around the eye.  

The plant will spread by seed and rooting at the nodes of the stem quickly. It has become invasive in California and Australia.

Plant in very well-drained sandy or rocky soils in full sun. Use in a rock garden, on a rock wall or sandy areas to help with erosion. It can be used as an annual or half-hardy perennial NC. It is very drought and salt tolerant.  In areas of extreme heat, the flowers may not bloom in the heat of the summer, however, the showy foliage will remain beautiful  

It makes a lovely cut flower, however, they close up in the later part of the day as well as days that don't produce enough sunlight.  Deadheading will encourage additional blooms.