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Arctotis acaulis 'Big Gold' (Golden African Daisy) - An evergreen groundcover that stays under 1 foot tall and spreads 2-3 feet and often wider with velvety gray foliage and large golden yellow daisy flowers with a maroon ring in the center and a red blush to the underside. Flowering begins in later winter and continues through summer.
Plant in full sun. Very low water needs. Hardy to 20-25 degrees F and useful in USDA Zone 9 and above.
This is an SMG 2002 Introduction that was a seedling from either Arctotis 'Magenta' or 'Big Magenta' (SMG 2000 introduction). These plants are likely Venidio-Arctotis hybrids or Arctotis Harlequin Hybrids (syn. Arctotis hybrida, X Venidioarctotis) which involved crossing and back crossing several species including Arctotis venusta grandis and Venidium [now Arctotis] fastuosa.
The genus name Arctotis is derived from Greek words 'arktos', which means "a bear" and 'otos' meaning "an ear" with the implication that the scales of the flower and fruit pappus look like the ears of a bear. The reason for the specific epithet is not clear with the possibility that it come from the Greek word 'stoechas' that refers to a type of mint coupled with 'folia' meaning leaf.
The information about Arctotis 'Big Gold' displayed on this web page is based on our research conducted in the nursery's horticultural library and from reliable online resources. We also include observations made about it as it grows in our nursery gardens and other gardens we have visited, as well how the crops have performed in containers in our nursery field. We will also incorporate comments we receive from others and welcome hearing from anyone with additional information, particularly if they can share cultural information that would aid others in growing this plant. |
