Written by Tolly Beck
Tolly Beck is a horticulturist at Lasdon Park and Arboretum in Westchester County. She was formerly a horticulture educator for New York Botanical Gardens in the Bronx and Cornell Cooperative Extension of Rockland, NY.
What’s in Bloom
Updated Weekly
SHRUBS
Butterfly bush Buddleia davidii
Carolina rose Rosa carolinia
Hydrangea spp.and cvs.
Spirea spp. and cvs.
PERENNIALS
Aster Symphyotrichum spp. and cvs.
Goldenrod Solidago spp.
Hardy argeratum Eupatorium coelestinum
Japanese anemone Anemone japonica
Monkshood Aconitum nappelus
Montauk daisy Nipponanthemum nipponicum
Mums Chrysanthemum morifolium
Turtlehead Chelone lyonii
Winecups Callirhoe involucrata
Yellow corydalis Corydalis lutea
In the Spotlight
Montauk Daisy
If you are looking for a perennial to brighten up your fall garden, the Montauk daisy (Nipponanthemum nipponicum) would be an excellent choice. This outstanding perennial is native to Japan but acquired its common name when it became naturalized after being planted in the area surrounding the town of Montauk on Long Island.
The Montauk daisy produces lovely, white, 2-3” daisies from early fall often into November. The flowers attract butterflies and bees which is an additional plus in autumn when many perennial flowers often have finished for the year. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more flowers to bloom. Montauk daisies are rabbit and deer resistant so plants are left undisturbed by wildlife.
Full sun and a well-drained soil are the conditions preferred by Montauk daisies. The glossy, thick succulent-like leaves of this perennial is an indication that it is drought tolerant. Drought tolerant plants need to be watered well the first year that they are planted to allow their root systems to become established. By the second season, these plants can usually survive periods of drought and do not need supplemental watering.
When you are visiting Lasdon this fall, you can see several Montaulk daisies planted at the beginning of the retaining wall on the right side of the conservatory. The crisp, bright white flowers put on quite a show!