Blackfoot Daisy (Melampodium leucanthum)
Sun/Shade: Prefers full sun; part shade OK
Flowers: White daisies with yellow centers cover the plant from early spring
through early summer then intermittently throughout summer and fall, depending
upon rainfall and heat. Called “Blackfoot” because the underside of the white
flower pedals have a dark imprint that looks like a little black foot.
Landscape Use: Makes an excellent low border foreground plant or good for
mass plantings in beds. Can be planted out in rocky Hill Country soil as a wild
flower with a little water to get it established and may also spread from its own
seeds.
Container Use: Can do well in containers with light potting soil, careful
watering and mild fertilization.
Size: Round mound about 1’ foot tall and 2’ feet wide.
Type: A perennial that performs well for two or three years and perhaps longer
with proper care. Best thought of as a seasonal flower with an extra long life.
Deer Resistance: Very deer resistant.
Drought Tolerance: Very drought tolerant but looks best with regular, careful
watering.
Soil: Not particular about soil as long as it drains well and does not remain
constantly wet. Does well in rocky soil or even better with soil enhancement.
Constantly wet soil leads to premature death.
Water: Smart Watering Principle=Water well when first planted then allow to
dry slightly, without wilting, then water deeply again, etc. A soaking rainfall
should last for about two weeks worth of watering. Do not keep constantly wet.
Fertilizer: Responds well to flower fertilizer or lawn fertilizer but will still
bloom without fertilization.
Tips: Be careful with automatic sprinkler systems. Cut this plant back a couple
of inches as it grows more woody, but only when it is actively growing being
careful to leave some green leaves on the plant. Do not cut back severely in
summer.
Rating: This plant rates very high and should be used much more.
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