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In the Spotlight

tolly-beckWritten 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!