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The hard working Arctotis
Arctotis 'Pumpkin Pie'
Arctotis are best described as pretty like a Gerbera but tough like a Gazania, both of which they're often mistaken for.
The name Arctotis was given to the genus by Carl Linnaeus, the Swedish botanist responsible for Binomial nomenclature (aka. the Botanical or Latin name that when pronounced out loud for the first time leaves your tongue in knots, your brain screaming and any folks near by covered in a good portion of spittle!)
 Arctotis 'Sun Spot'The name is derived from Greek: with arctos, being a bear, and - otis, being ear (not a wrinkly Pug who hangs out with a ginger cat).
Apparently parts of the fruit reminded CL of bears ears. To me they look more like fairy's wings but I guess he was already taking some heat for his ideas without going on about mystical beings and stardust too.  Arctotis 'Cherry Frost'
So that's enough material for your next cocktail party or trivia night, how about some specifics on the plant.
These tough little plants are perfect for our local gardens. They're tolerant of heat and cold down to about 26 degrees. While not fond of adobe they're forgiving of most soils and are surprising drought tolerant once established. Flowers occur from spring through to fall with deadheading. The plants themselves only reach 10-12" with a spread from 18-24" although sometimes wider.
We have four varieties at the nursery. All are full and ready to meet some garden dirt.
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