Gazania 'Orange Peacock'

This selection of gazania (either G. pectinata or G. krebsiana) was selected by Kees Sahin from a batch of red flowered gazania from the high elevation (up to 10,000') South African grasslands ...thanks to Panayoti Kelaidis of the Denver Botanic Garden for sharing. The narrow green leaves with white felted backs make an attractive 1' wide rosette, which is topped with orange daisies, with a darker ring around the base of the petals. Not only is gazania a great ornamental; but the flowers can be eaten raw, the felt on the backs of the leaves made into skirts, and the plants are used to treat everything from sick babies to sterile women. Plant a patch of these and become the most popular dude on the block. For best results, good winter drainage is essential.