Are Gazania And African Daisy The Same Plant – Your Definitive

ByRimon Chowdhury Updated on

Have you ever stood in the garden center, admiring a sea of vibrant, sun-loving flowers, and found yourself doing a double-take? You see a tray of brilliant orange and yellow blooms labeled “Gazania” right next to a stunning display of purple and white flowers called “African Daisy.” They look so similar, yet different. It’s a common point of confusion for so many gardeners, and you’re not alone in asking: are gazania and african daisy the same plant?

I’m here to promise you that by the end of this guide, you’ll not only have a crystal-clear answer but you’ll also be able to spot the differences like a seasoned pro. Think of me as your friendly gardening neighbor, here to walk you through the subtle clues that set these two beauties apart.

We’ll dig into their family history, compare their flowers and leaves side-by-side, and cover everything you need to know to grow them successfully. Get ready to unlock the secrets to choosing, identifying, and caring for these incredible, sun-drenched flowers with total confidence.

The Big Question: Are Gazania and African Daisy the Same Plant?

Let’s get right to it. The short and simple answer is: no, they are not the same plant. While they share a striking resemblance and a love for sunshine, they belong to different branches of the same plant family tree.

Think of it like this: they are close cousins, not identical twins. Both are members of the massive Asteraceae family, which is also known as the daisy, aster, or sunflower family. This shared heritage is why they both have that classic composite flower head—a central disc surrounded by colorful petals (ray florets).

The key difference lies in their specific scientific classification, or genus:

  • Gazanias belong to the genus Gazania. They are often called Treasure Flowers because of their jewel-toned colors.
  • African Daisies most commonly refer to plants in the genus Osteospermum, but sometimes also include those from the Dimorphotheca genus.

So, while they are related and share many traits, they are distinct plants with unique characteristics. Understanding this is the first step in our complete are gazania and african daisy the same plant guide.

Meet the Family: Understanding the Asteraceae Connection

To truly appreciate the differences, it helps to understand why they look so similar in the first place. Being part of the Asteraceae family means they are related to some of the most recognizable flowers in the world, like sunflowers, zinnias, marigolds, and dahlias.

This family is defined by its unique flower structure. What looks like a single “flower” is actually a composite of hundreds of tiny individual flowers, called florets, packed together. This clever design makes them incredibly attractive to pollinators, which is one of the great benefits of are gazania and african daisy the same plant—they are magnets for bees and butterflies!

Knowing they come from this large, diverse family helps explain their similar appearance and care needs, like their universal love for a sunny spot in the garden. Now, let’s zoom in and learn how to tell these cousins apart.

A Gardener’s Field Guide: Key Differences at a Glance

Okay, let’s put on our detective hats. When you have both plants in front of you, there are three key areas to inspect: the flowers, the leaves, and their overall growth style. Once you know what to look for, you’ll never be confused again.

Flower Power: A Closer Look at the Blooms

While both have daisy-like flowers, the details are telling. It’s one of the most reliable are gazania and african daisy the same plant tips I can offer.

Gazania (Treasure Flower):

  • Intricate Patterns: Gazania flowers are famous for their bold, often multi-toned patterns. Look for dramatic stripes, splashes of contrasting colors, and often a distinct dark ring at the base of the petals, encircling the center.
  • Closing Time: A classic Gazania trait is its tendency to close its petals at night and on overcast or rainy days. They are true sun-worshippers and only open up to greet the light.
  • Earthy Tones: Their color palette leans heavily towards warm, fiery shades—brilliant oranges, sunny yellows, deep reds, and rich bronzes.
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African Daisy (Osteospermum):

  • Distinctive Centers: Many popular varieties of Osteospermum have a striking, metallic-looking dark blue or deep purple center (the disc florets). This creates a beautiful, high-contrast look that really pops.
  • Cooler Colors: While you can find them in warmer shades, African Daisies are renowned for their stunning range of purples, lavenders, pinks, and crisp whites.
  • Unique Petal Shapes: Some modern cultivars have fascinating, spoon-shaped or quilled petals that look unlike anything else in the garden. They also tend to stay open more reliably in lower light than Gazanias.

Telltale Leaves: The Foliage Face-Off

Don’t just look at the flowers! The leaves offer one of the most definitive clues. This is a pro-level trick for telling them apart, even when they aren’t in bloom.

The secret is to flip a leaf over. A Gazania leaf is typically long and slender, sometimes with lobes. The top side is usually a dark green, but the underside is covered in fine, silvery-white hairs, giving it a fuzzy, almost glowing appearance. This is an adaptation to help it conserve water in hot, dry climates.

An African Daisy (Osteospermum) leaf, on the other hand, is typically green on both sides. The leaves often have toothed or serrated edges and lack that distinct silvery, fuzzy underside. They feel less “woolly” to the touch.

Growth Habit and Stature

How the plant grows can also tell you a lot about which one you’re dealing with.

Gazanias are typically low-growing and spreading. They form dense, clumping mats of foliage that make them an absolutely fantastic groundcover, border edging, or spiller in a container. They rarely get more than a foot tall.

African Daisies tend to have a more upright and bushy growth habit. They form a mounded shape and can grow taller, often reaching one to three feet. This makes them better suited for the middle of a border where they can fill space and add height.

The Ultimate Are Gazania and African Daisy the Same Plant Care Guide

Now for the fun part: growing them! The good news is that because they are cousins from sunny South Africa, their care needs are very similar. Don’t worry—these flowers are perfect for beginners! Following these best practices will ensure a garden full of brilliant color all season long.

Sun Worshippers: Light Requirements

This is the number one rule: both Gazanias and African Daisies demand full sun. We’re talking at least 6-8 hours of direct, unfiltered sunlight per day. A shady spot will result in weak, leggy plants and very few, if any, flowers. Remember, Gazanias won’t even open without the sun, so give them the brightest spot you’ve got!

The Thirst Test: Watering Best Practices

Both plants are wonderfully drought-tolerant once established, making them a cornerstone of any sustainable are gazania and african daisy the same plant garden plan. Overwatering is a far greater danger than underwatering.

Allow the top inch or two of soil to dry out completely between waterings. Gazanias, with their fuzzy leaves, are exceptionally tolerant of dry conditions. African Daisies might wilt a bit more dramatically if they get too thirsty but will bounce back quickly after a drink. For container plants, you’ll need to water more frequently as pots dry out faster.

Soil and Feeding Needs

The most important soil requirement for both is excellent drainage. They absolutely despise “wet feet,” which can lead to root rot. If you have heavy clay soil, amend it with compost or grit, or grow them in raised beds or containers.

These are not heavy feeders. In fact, overly rich soil or too much fertilizer will encourage lots of leafy growth at the expense of flowers. A light feeding with a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer in the spring is usually all they need.

Deadheading for Endless Blooms

To keep the floral show going all summer, you need to deadhead. This simply means snipping off the spent flowers once they start to fade. This prevents the plant from putting energy into making seeds and instead encourages it to produce more and more blooms. It’s a simple task that pays huge dividends!

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Common Problems with Gazania and African Daisy (And How to Solve Them)

Even the toughest plants can face issues. Here’s a quick look at some common problems with are gazania and african daisy the same plant and how to tackle them with an eco-friendly approach.

When Flowers Go on Strike (Lack of Blooms)

This is almost always due to one thing: not enough sun. Move them to a sunnier location. Other culprits could be too much nitrogen-rich fertilizer (all leaves, no flowers) or overwatering. Check your conditions and adjust accordingly.

Pesky Pests and Diseases

Aphids can sometimes be an issue. A strong spray of water from the hose or an application of insecticidal soap is usually enough to dislodge them. The biggest disease threat is root rot from soggy soil, so prioritize good drainage. Powdery mildew can appear in humid weather; ensure good air circulation around your plants to prevent it.

Leggy Growth

If your plants look stretched out and spindly, they are likely reaching for more light. If you can’t provide more sun, you can pinch or trim back the stems by about a third to encourage bushier, more compact growth.

Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Gardening with These Sunny Blooms

One of the best things about these flowers is how well they fit into a modern, water-wise garden. Their drought tolerance makes them an excellent choice for xeriscaping or for gardeners in dry climates, helping you conserve a precious resource. This is a key part of any eco-friendly are gazania and african daisy the same plant strategy.

Furthermore, their open-faced, composite flowers are a buffet for pollinators. Planting them provides a vital food source for bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, helping to support your local ecosystem. By choosing these tough, self-sufficient plants, you’re making a beautiful and responsible choice for your garden and the planet.

Frequently Asked Questions About Gazanias and African Daisies

Are Gazanias perennials?

Gazanias are technically tender perennials, meaning they can live for several years in warm climates (USDA Zones 9-11). In colder regions, they are typically grown as annuals as they will not survive a hard frost.

Why do my Gazania flowers close at night?

This fascinating behavior is called nyctinasty. The plant closes its petals in response to darkness or low light. It’s a natural protective mechanism thought to conserve energy and protect pollen from dew or rain.

Can I grow African Daisies in containers?

Absolutely! Osteospermum are fantastic in pots, window boxes, and hanging baskets. Just make sure your container has plenty of drainage holes and use a high-quality, well-draining potting mix.

Which one is more drought-tolerant?

While both are excellent choices for a dry garden, Gazanias generally have a slight edge in heat and drought tolerance. Their silvery, water-conserving leaves make them incredibly resilient in hot, baking sun.

Conclusion: Two Cousins, One Sunny Disposition

So, now you know! While they may look like twins from a distance, Gazanias and African Daisies are unique cousins, each with its own special charm. You can now confidently walk into any nursery and tell them apart.

Remember the key clues: look for the intricate patterns and fiery colors of the Gazania, and don’t forget to check for its signature silvery leaf undersides. Or, admire the cool purples and striking dark centers of the African Daisy, with its all-green, toothed leaves.

Whichever you choose—or better yet, choose both!—you are bringing a tough, beautiful, and sun-loving flower into your garden that will reward you with an endless parade of color. Go forth and grow with confidence!

Rimon Chowdhury
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