The Garden At Rock Cottage by Lance Brilliantine

Late Season Beauty

The Montauk daisy, which many people believe is native to Long Island, is actually a Chrysanthemum that originated in Asia-Pacific, but oddly enough a Japanese flower would become a signpost for the East End of Long Island!

Many people love Montauk daisies; as many hate them. This woody perennial - based on how it is cared for - can be either a welcome addition to the garden, or a nuisance. For example, the smell of the leaves is offensive to some people. If left to its own devices, like most chrysanthemums, the plant becomes leggy and floppy and its appearance unwelcome. However, when given appropriate attention, the plant makes a beautiful display from mid-September through October.

"Daisy" is a generic term that refers to blooms that have a central "disk," made up of hundreds of tiny flowers surrounded by delicate petals. Because each multiple flower in a daisy resembles a single bloom (at least to our eyes, if not to the insects that pollinate them), daisies were for years known as "composites" and embraced by the family Compositae. Several years ago, botanists switched the name to the aster family of plants, e.g. Asteraceae, because of the look of the flower.

Montauk is famous for these flowers at this time of year, when they bloom in profusion in gardens, on embankments and roadways. The botanical name for this omnipresent daisy is Chrysanthemum Nippon (formerly named Chrysanthemum Nipponicum). Commonly called the "Montauk daisy" on Long Island, it is named "Nippon daisy" elsewhere in the world. The Montauk daisy is an herbaceous perennial that is part of the Asteraceae family of plants, just like the fall Aster and garden Mum. Since it is hardy to Zone 5, it is an ideal plant for the full-sun border. This somewhat shrubby perennial has dark green leaves that bear white, yellow-centered, daisy-like flowers. The appearance is one of a classic daisy in shape and color. Montauk daisies will grow to about two feet tall and wide, on a small, shrubby plant. Even one plant makes quite a statement, and it loves seaside areas.

As with all mums, there are a few cultivation tricks that help make Montauk daisies look their best. First of all, these plants love acidic soil. This makes them a great selection for our area on Eastern Long Island, which is typically acidic because of all the oak leaves. The plant requires lots of sun to look its best. And it is an ideal selection for beachside locations in full sun if kept somewhat moist all the time. (To keep the plant growing well, it benefits from the addition of some compost each spring - that helps hold in moisture in the ground.)

To keep the plants neat and from becoming leggy, cut stalks by half their length no later than the third week of June. Again, cut the stalks back in late November, once foliage has dropped, to the bottom-most eye (about six inches from the base). This late-fall cutting keeps a few branches available for new growth in the spring. Cutting the plant back to the ground may kill the plant if there is a deep winter frost.

In spring, just as the buds begin to turn green, cut the stalks nearly to the ground to spark new growth and help control the plant's height. As the growing season progresses, further pinch the tips of new stem growth whenever they reach a length of three-to-five inches. Pinch back only until late July - never after that - or flowers will be eliminated for the season.

As the plant matures, consider dividing it every two or three years. Dividing the plant tends to invigorate it and keeps the clumps producing an ideal number of flowers.

Montauk daisies produce a spectacular fall display, and also combine well with the few other fall plants. Consider partnering Montauk daisies with other types of aster, such as the late-blooming Aster frikartii (another daisy-like plant with vibrant blue flowers). It also works very well with the golden sprays of 'Fireworks' goldenrod.

Montauk daisies are an excellent addition to the fall garden. They are great when used along roadways and embankments because the tough, woody stems are resilient. Used in this way, they produce a car stopping display. This is a plant that needs to be considered in every garden, not only because of its name, but because of its value in bringing brilliance to the late fall garden.

You can contact Lance Brilliantine with any questions or comments at GardenLance@yahoo.com.

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