How to Grow and Care for Ursinia

Plant Care

Ursinia is an easy going performer that shines spectacularly in poor soil and tough conditions. Once established, it requires little watering, no fertilizer and thrives in full sun. It’s fast to grow from seed and gives bountiful flushes of blooms for months.

It is fantastic for mass planting, general garden borders, or for or native-themed displays. Ursinia is quite low maintenance and is perfect for xeriscaping. If deadheaded regularly, it blooms even more generously and maintains a neat appearance. Bees and butterflies love it, and so will you.

Light

This is a full-sun plant—Ursinia must have at least 6 hours of direct sun every day in order to be its best. In shade, flowering is dramatically reduced and the plant becomes leggy. Select a place in open beds, rock gardens or even roadside plantings where it can soak up the sun without competition from taller plants.

Soil

Ursinia grows best in light, sandy or gravelly soils with excellent drainage. It hates wet feet and/or clay soils and will fail in boggy conditions. Avoid over-rich, heavy soils, and opt for lean, free-draining mixes. It tolerates poor nutrition and doesn’t need soil amendments.

Tip: In clay-heavy areas, plant in raised beds or amend soil with coarse sand and grit.

Watering

Water Ursinia lightly and infrequently. It is drought-tolerant, once it is established (usually after 3-4 weeks of planting or germination). The most common problem is overwatering, which can result in root rot.

• During establishment: Water when the top inch dries out
• After establishment: Water only during long dry periods or extreme heat

Pots: Dry out between waterings.

Pruning

Pruning isn’t necessary, but you’ll greatly extend the flowering season, and also clean up the appearance of the plant by deadheading spent blooms.

When to prune: Throughout the growing season

What to prune:

• Faded or dead flower heads
• Leggy stems (trim lightly to shape)

Why it helps:

• Promotes more blooms
• Prevents seed drop (if not collecting seed)
• Encourages a compact habit

Propagating

Ursinia is best grown by seed and is seldom propagated in any other way.

How to propagate from seed:

• Plants should be sown directly into garden beds in early spring (after frost)
• Or sow indoors in trays 4-6 weeks before last frost
• Lightly cover seed; germinates in 1–2 weeks
• Thin seedlings once large enough to handle
• Space 20–30 cm apart

Seeds self-sow in some climates, especially in sandy soils.

Growing in Pots

Ursinia is a superb pot plant, especially for sunny patios and balconies.

Tips for potted success:

• Opt for wide, shallow pots with good drainage
• Use actus or other native potting mix with added sand
• Plant in full sun
• Water only when dry; avoid overwatering
• Occasionally pinch back to encourage a bushier growth

Excellent to combine with succulents or other drought-loving companions.

Overwintering

Most grow as annuals, but they can be treated as short-lived perennials in frost-free areas.

• In cooler areas, allow plants to die back and save seeds for planting.
• In Zones 9–11, plants may reseed or return naturally in spring
• Protect young seedlings from heavy frost

Store collected seeds in a cool, dry place for next season.

Blooming

Ursinia bursts into bloom in late spring and continues through summer and autumn, especially with deadheading. Flowers open during the day and close at night or during cloudy weather.

• Bloom time: Late spring through fall
• Flowers: Bright yellow, orange, or gold with dramatic central markings
• Attracts: Bees, butterflies, and other pollinators

Tip: Plant this en masse for a showy display of wildflowers.

Common Issues

Ursinia is a robust plant that doesn’t have many problems if it’s planted in the right conditions.

Common problems include:

• Root rot → Typically  from heavy or poorly drained soil
• Leggy growth → Too much shade
• Powdery mildew → Can develop in overcrowded or humid spots— space plants well
• No flowers → Usually because of low light or rich, moist soil

Grow it lean, dry, and sunny—and it will perform beautifully.

Summary

With its joyful colour, breezy texture, and low-maintenance nature, Ursinia is a go-to plant for brightening sunny beds, containers, or native wildflower gardens. Perfect for beginners (and adored by pollinators), it grows quickly, blooms profusely and flourishes in poor soil, demanding little and giving much. Let it bask in the sun and bloom its heart out, and you’ll have a garden full of golden cheer from spring through autumn.