There now exists a group of garden plants that have been creossed and re-crossed to combine various traits of several, closely related, South African species. Plants in commerce might have any number of species or hybrids in their makeup, and new selections and hybrids are be introduced regularly. These easily grown plants can be upright and bushy, or more commonly, low and spreading. Some forms rapidly cover large areas and therefore make an effective large-scale ground cover. The plants prefer drier conditions, though respond to occasional water during te dry months.
Selections can be very handsome and attractive.
Can be easily increased by quick rooting cuttings. In large or difficult to reach plantings, clones can revert or produce seedlings of different form or color, which may need to be removed to maintain effect. Hybridization has been so extensive in the trade that only wild collected seed from a very reliable source can be expected to be true to species. Species O. barbarae Native to the Eastern Cape of South Africa Spreading plant with magenta winter flowers. More tolerant of shade.