Arctotis stoechadifolia

Arctotis stoechadifolia, silver arctotis or in Afrikaans kusgousblom (coast marigold), grows naturally on coastal dunes and sandy flats from the Cape Peninsula and a little up the west coast to around Langebaan. This picture was taken just off the beach north of Melkbosstrand.

The spreading branches and silvery-felted leaves of one plant may cover more than a square metre.

As a perennial this vigorous flowering garden favourite performs a good ground cover and soil stabilizing function and is often chosen for open sunny places in gardens and parks to do just this. Remember that it normally gets winter rain and can stand some dryness in summer.