Falltime Maintenance For Montauk Daisies?

Montauk daisies are native to coastal Japan and prefer full sun and good drainage. They grow happily in well-drained soil, especially in coastal states like California. When left untended, Montauk daisies grow in shrub-like mounds to 3 feet tall and wide, becoming leggy and flopping over. As they bloom in midsummer and fall, the foliage near the bottom shows beautiful white flowers until the hard freeze arrives.

Montauk daisies can tolerate salt spray and drought once established, but weekly watering results in better growth and more abundant flowering. Provide no more than 1 inch of water weekly and plant in beds, borders, or mass plantings. The lustrous foliage provides summertime interest, but the fall-blooming flowers can complement traditional autumnal hues or make it easy to hold onto a summer vibe.

To maintain their growth, prune them back in early spring to keep them compact as they usually shed lower leaves as they grow. Choose a sunny location with at least six hours of direct sunlight per day and prepare well-draining soil, ideally on the acidic side. Water the plants regularly, and prune off about a third of the height every spring. A mature Montauk daisy grows about 3 feet tall and 4 feet wide.

Dividing Montauk daisies in the spring or late fall is the best time to do so, as they can make do with rainwater alone. The general rule of thumb for most perennials is a solid inch of rain per week. When dividing perennials in autumn, ensure that the plants are not too small and that the soil is well-draining.