Euryops

Family. Compositae, Asteraceae. 

Origin: South Africa. 

Description. Euryops is an evergreen perennial shrub with a dense rounded crown. The erect vertical stems of the plant bear lacy leaves. The leaf blades are palmately divided, green or silvery-green, about 5 - 7 cm long. Yellow single flowers reach 5 cm in diameter, have a large number of long thin petals and resemble a daisy or chamomile. Buds densely cover the plant during the flowering period.

Height: Depending on the type and degree of pruning, it can be 50 - 150 cm.

Growing, care at home

Temperature conditions

These shrubs do not like extreme heat and prefer moderate coolness - a temperature of 16 - 18 ° C during the growth period. In the winter months, it is advisable to give euryops a dormant period, which will take place at a temperature of 5 - 10 ° C.

Lighting

Does not tolerate direct sunlight, but prefers a brightly lit location.

Care

This species is extremely unpretentious and requires minimal care when grown indoors. Trim shoots to the desired height in early spring, removing weak and damaged stems. Fading flowers should be removed promptly to prolong the flowering period.

Substrate

Prefers well-drained, moist soils with high organic content. 

Feeding

In spring and summer, feed regularly - every 2 weeks with water-soluble fertilizers for flowering plants. 

Purpose

An attractive ornamental flowering shrub.

Flowering time

The flowering period is very long and can last all summer and autumn.

Air humidity

If the air in the room becomes too dry, you can spray the leaves in the morning with water at room temperature. 

Soil moisture

During the growing season, water so that the top 1-3 cm of soil dries out between waterings. Reduce the frequency of watering in the fall, and keep it to a minimum in the winter. 

Transplantation

Repot young Euryops specimens in fresh soil each spring, using larger pots if necessary. Mature euryops can be quite large and difficult to repot - replace the topsoil of such plants with fresh mix.

Reproduction

It is quite easy to propagate both by seeds and semi-ripe cuttings. The lower leaves are removed from the cuttings and the bases are dusted with growth hormones.

Pests and diseases

Euryops will not tolerate over-watering and stagnant moisture.  And harmful insects sometimes appear aphids and spider mites. When grown in open ground, slugs and snails can attack. 

Note

Without pruning it becomes lanky and may bare the lower part of the stems.