Flowering for a few months, Arctotis stoechadifolia can by used in endless combinations as the seasons change. At Kirstenbosch it is one of the most striking plantings in spring, hanging down a stone wall in front of a large spring annual bed filled with A. acaulis and Ursinia speciosa. In early summer it looks spectacular as a groundcover, flowering with the bright yellow Wachendorfia paniculata (bloodroot) and the annual Oncosiphon grandiflora ( stinkkruid ).

In coastal gardens this is one of the best groundcovers to retain the sand cover.

Cultivation Arctotis stoechadifolia is easy to grow but must be planted in full sun and soil with good drainage. Adapted to the Mediterranean climate of the Cape, it can survive with very little water in summer after the winter rains. Plants need to be protected from frost, but should resprout after frost damage.

Propagation Most of the Arctotis plants at Kirstenbosch are grown by cuttings made throughout the year. Tip cuttings taken from a healthy growing stem root easily and are placed in a tray filled with well-drained sand. The rooted cuttings are grown on in bags before planted into the garden, but could be planted directly into the garden beds especially during the cooler winter months.

Seeds should be sown in seed trays during autumn and planted into small pots to be grown on as soon as they are a size that are easy to handle.

Black, hairy worms attack plants in the garden and nursery, but it is not necessary to spray as they seldom do serious damage and the tough plants resprout vigorously.