Mutisia decurrens – Climbing Gazania –

Description

Mutisia – Climbing Gazania – There are about 60 species of evergreen shrubs and vines in this genus. They occur in woodland and scrub in South America. The alternate leaves, sometimes pinnate sometimes have serrated edges and vary greatly from elliptic, heart shaped or linear and are mid to dark green. Showy, dahlia or daisy like flower heads are borne singly from summer to autumn. Grow in a small courtyard garden, through shrubs, in a border, or on a fence or trellis. Grow in moderately fertile, moist but well drained soil in full sun or part shade. Protect from excessive winter moisture. M. decurrens – This suckering climber from Chile and Argentina reaches 7-10′ feet high. From winged stems it carries narrowly lance shaped, smooth edged or toothed, dark green leaves, to 5″ long, each ending in a 2 lobed tendril. Mainly in summer it bears bright orange flowers heads, to 6″ wide which resemble a daisy and have 10-15 petals. Zones 8-9