Euryops is the quintessential “fynbos daisy” – a genus of sun-loving shrubs and subshrubs that light up rocky hillsides and grasslands across southern Africa with masses of golden flowers. Belonging to the daisy family (Asteraceae), Euryops species are generally evergreen, drought-tolerant and long-lived, forming neat hummocks or woody mounds covered in fine, often aromatic foliage. When in bloom they can be almost completely smothered in bright yellow daisies, creating a haze of colour that draws in bees, butterflies and other pollinators.

In nature, many species grow in tough, exposed places – sandstone ridges, shale bands, gravel plains, mountain slopes and coastal scrub – where poor soils, wind and seasonal drought are the norm. These harsh origins make them exceptionally well suited to water-wise, low-maintenance gardens around South Africa and in dry-summer or Mediterranean-type climates worldwide. With their intricate foliage and generous flowering, they bridge the gap between ornamental shrubs and hardy steppe or rock-garden plants.

For gardeners and collectors, the genus offers remarkable diversity: from tiny, moss-like cushions to upright, architecturally branched shrubs; from fine, erica-like leaves to bold ferny foliage; from tight button heads to broad-rayed daisies. Grown from seed, Euryops is fast to establish, rewarding the patient grower with plants that are both resilient and spectacular, whether they’re anchoring a fynbos bed in the Cape, brightening a dry border in Gauteng, or bringing a taste of the South African veld to gardens overseas.

Euryops glutinosus

Euryops glutinosus takes its name from the slightly sticky or “glutinous” feel of its foliage and stems, which can be faintly resinous to the touch. Plants form rounded, bushy shrubs with narrow to finely lobed leaves, often carrying a subtle sheen. The foliage’s aromatic, resinous quality suits it well to hot, dry sites, and in flower the shrub is crowned with clear yellow daisies that stand out strongly against the deeper green leaves.

In its natural South African habitat, Euryops glutinosus occupies rocky slopes, road verges and open shrubland where soils are free-draining and conditions can be harsh. Flowering generally occurs from late winter into spring, when the plant’s resinous foliage and bright blooms are a magnet for pollinators. The sticky surfaces also help reduce water loss and may deter browsing animals, adding to the plant’s durability.

This species is usually sold under its botanical name without a widely used English common name. Seedlings are quick to establish and respond well to full sun and a gritty mix, making them ideal for tough positions in South African gardens and for xeric plantings in dry-summer climates worldwide. Euryops glutinosus is a perfect choice where you need a strongly scented, heat-loving daisy shrub that thrives on neglect.