What Is a Montauk Daisy?

A Montauk daisy is a perennial flower that originated on the coasts of Japan. The daisy typically grows as high as 36 inches and sometimes just as wide. Its petals are normally white or slightly off-white, and the flower has a bright, yellow center. As of 2011, it has become an increasingly popular flower among gardeners due to its general unappealing nature to small wildlife, durability and low maintenance.

This perennial flower originated along the coasts of Japan, which may indicate several preferences about the nature of the plant. It prefers bright and sunny areas with efficient irrigation and a moderate temperature. Montauk daisies may also be durable enough to survive right along the sea line.

Montauk daisy flowers may have a full, bushy appearance. They grow anywhere between 18 and 36 inches high and just under three feet in width. The leaves are normally thick, glossy and leather-like, while the flower boasts a vibrant white and yellow color combination. It blooms later in the year, typically from late summer until winter.

Many gardeners appreciate several other attributes of the Montauk daisy. Wildlife, such as deer and rabbits, tend to avoid eating this flower. Contrastingly, the daisy is known for attracting butterflies and bees. The stiff, long stem also makes it a popular choice for cutting for bouquets as well as decoration. Its durability and low maintenance also makes it a popular choice for novice gardeners.

Typically, the Montauk daisy requires minimal watering and pruning. It may survive in most climates and in areas with less sunlight. Although it may grow to a large size, it tends to grow well alongside smaller flowers. Several gardeners do recommend cutting the flowers low during the mid-spring for optimal growth during the summer.

Propogating Montauk daisies is usually popular among gardeners. This is because seeds are not readily available as of 2011. It is also known to be more easily propogated compared to most other flowers. In fact, this is how most Montauk daisies are grown in the United States. Many gardeners recommend taking a cut of the daisy each year to re-grow.

The scientific name for this plant as of 2011 is Nipponanthemum nipponicum. It was originally classified as Chrysanthemum nipponicum, then later Leucanthemu nipponicum. The frequent and perhaps confuing re-classification of the Montauk daisy is believed to be one reason it is not as popular with some gardeners in 2011.