Pyrethropsis or ‘Moroccan Daisy’
With masses of flowers from spring through summer Pyrethropsis hosmariense (syn Rhodanthemum hosmariense) or ‘Moroccan Daisy’ grow well in a large container or in the ornamental border. This is a plant that seems to have moved around in terms of species names at various times also being included with the Chrysanthemums.
Low growing and matt forming it makes a good ground cover plant, its tough, drought tolerant and easy care.
A variety called ‘Marrakech is also available, however rare.
How To Grow Rhodanthemum hosmariense – Basic Care
This is a low growing plant that grows well in a rock garden situation, or in fact any well drained humus rich soil.
Growing naturally as an understory or sub-shrub it does enjoy some protection from hot afternoon sun.
- Prepare the soil by weeding well and digging in some compost and cow or sheep manure.
- The best time to plant is in early spring although late summer will work as well.
- Plant at the same depth as your new plant was in the container.
- Water in with a liquid seaweed fertiliser.
- Water through the first few summers or if the soil drys out.
- Fertilise in spring with a liquid fertiliser or general purpose slow release type fertiliser.
Top Tips
- This is a reasonably drought tolerant and copes well with poor soils, however for best results try a humus rich well drained soil and give the occasional soaking during prolonged dry periods.
- Can be trimmed back to maintain shape and deadheaded to encourage a second flush of flowers in summer.
Other species and cultivars include :
- Pyrethropsis gayana.
- Pyrethropsis catanache (syn Rhodanthemum catanache)
- Pyrethropsis Flamingo.
Where to Buy
Not widely available for sale, try specialist plant fairs such as Ferny Creek Horticultural Society or Mt Macedon and District Horticultural Society.