Also called Montauk daisy and Japanese chrysanthemum, this deciduous flowering sub-shrub is native to cliffs and rocky sites in the coastal regions of Japan and is a member of the aster family, Asteraceae, that also includes sunflower, yarrow and lettuce. The plant grows up to 3′ tall, is bushy, and has a woody stem that carries thick, glossy, dark green leaves. Each spoon-shaped leaf is up to 3.5″ long, oblong, and coarsely-toothed. From late summer to fall 2-3″ wide flowerheads appear on long stems. The flowerheads have white ray florets surrounding disc florets that may be yellow, green, red, or purple. The flowerheads attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, and are good in the vase. The plant tolerates salt spray and drought, and is a good choice for xeriscape as well as seaside, butterfly, pollinator, and rock gardens. The genus name, Nipponanthemum, is derived from the former name of Japan, Nippon, and the Greek word, anthemon, meaning flower. The specific epithet, nipponicum, is also from the former name of Japan.
Type: Deciduous flowering sub-shrub
Outstanding Feature: Flowers
Form: Mound
Growth Rate: Moderate
Bloom: Flowerhead with white ray florets surrounding disc florets that may be yellow, green, red, or purple; from late summer into fall
Size: 1.5-3′ H x 1.5-3′ W
Light: Full sun
Soil: Average, dry, well drained
Hardiness: Zones 5-9
Care: Lightly prune new growth in the spring to encourage bushiness; deadhead to prolong bloom; divide every 2-3 years to maintain vigor
Pests and Diseases: Generally healthy but susceptible to damage by aphids, spider mites, leaf miners, leaf spots, and stem rots.
Propagation: Division, seed
Photo Credit: Wikipedia