Montauk Daisies – Perfect for Long Island Gardens!

Montauk daisy, formally known as Nipponanthemum nipponicum, is a great perennial for Long Island gardens. Mistakenly thought of as a native (common names can be so misleading), their roots hail from coastal Japan. Thankfully, Long Island’s climate is suitable for growing and enjoying this fall blooming beauty.

Montauk daisy is a large, mounded perennial that can grow to 3’ in height and 3+’ in width (allow for adequate spacing so it can fill in and not be cramped). Attractive leaves during spring and summer give way to large white flowers (2-4” across) with yellow centers in late summer and fall, providing weeks of interest in the garden or landscape. Its daisy flowers are magnets for friendly bees and butterflies. Another plus, it’s hardy in zones 5-9; we are considered zone 7.

Plant Montauk daisies in full sun and well-drained soils. Poor or heavy soils will benefit from the addition of organic matter – compost or composted manure – prior to planting. After planting, water thoroughly, and then allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Pick the right location, plant it correctly, and it should be trouble-free.

Hate leggy Montauk daisies? Want more flowers? Outgrown its space? Pinch new growth in late May and again by early July to create beefy, bushy plants that will still bloom right on cue. And when it gets too big, you can divide it and add new divisions to other parts of the sunny garden.

Use in large containers, garden beds, landscape borders, or in combination with ornamental grasses. Open blooms make great cut flowers for informal bouquets.