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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.
This information about Arctotis 'Big Gold' displayed is based on research conducted in our horticultural library and from reliable online resources. We also will relate 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 that we receive from others and we welcome hearing from anyone with additional information, particularly if they can share any cultural information that would aid others in growing it.
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