How To Grow Moon Daisies Leucanthemum vulgare

From cottage gardens, and butterfly retreats, to a fairy hide away; moon daisies are a must have hardy perennial!

Finding a Site and Preparing the Soil for Moon Daisies

Locate a planting site that receives full sun as moon daisies (zones 3a to 9b) do best with lots of light. Now is the time to till the soil several inches deep; making sure to remove any large stones or clumps of dirt that could possibly impede proper root growth. While tilling, add plenty of compost to create a well draining mixture; this enables the daisies to send down strong roots without allowing water to accumulate and cause root rot. Rake the area smooth before planting the seeds or seedlings. After setting out the seeds, lightly rake a small amount of soil on top of them.

Ongoing Care for Moon Daisies

Make sure to deadhead spent blossoms to encourage new blooms and bushy plants. In a long growing season a person can cut the plants back to a few inches above the ground; this rejuvenates the plants and encourages a new, thicker flush of pretty white blooms.

Additional watering once the plants are established is generally not required as moon daisies are very drought tolerant and can withstand weeks without much rainfall. If the leaves of the plant seem to droop and seem overall sad; it is then time to water.

A good layer of natural mulch helps to keep moon daisies from requiring much water and keeps the planting bed neat and tidy while feeding the plant and helping to promote nice blooms.

Dividing Moon Daisies

After a couple of years or even sooner it may be a good idea to divide the large clumps of daisies in the garden. This process is simple and will help to revive an old and scraggly clump of plants.

Simply dig the entire clump of plants and gently divide it into quarters, making sure to trim away damaged limbs and faded flowers. Replant the individual clumps in the same place or add them around various other parts of the garden. Water in well and if one wishes, add a good bloom enhancing fertilizer to the backfill soil (though this is seldom required for moon daisies).

Some Attributes of Moon Daisies

• Butterflies adore this plant and will swarm it on a daily basis.

• It is an early spring bloomer and provides some of the first flowers of the mid year.

• It makes wonderful cut flowers for bouquets and vases.

• Spreads readily from seed so a person will have many more each following year.

• Children love picking the blooms and can create “daisy chains” on warm spring and summer days.

For more fun perennial reading try these links

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The Four Seasons Perennial Garden