September 22, 2025

Montauk Daisies: A Cheerful Burst of Fall Blooms

When most of the garden is winding down for the season, Montauk daisies (also known as Nippon daisies) come into their full glory. These cheerful, daisy-like perennials brighten up borders and beds just when you need them most—typically from September right into October. Native to coastal Japan, Montauk daisies have become a New England favorite, thriving in our seaside climates and delivering reliable late-season color year after year.

 

 

Why Gardeners Love Montauk Daisies

• Late-season blooms: They flower when most perennials are fading, filling gardens with fresh, crisp white petals and sunny yellow centers.
• Low maintenance: Once established, they require little fuss.
• Pollinator-friendly: Bees and butterflies adore them, making them a late-season food source.
• Tough and reliable: Montauk daisies tolerate sandy soils, salt spray, and dry conditions, which makes them excellent for coastal gardens.

 

Care Tips for Montauk Daisies

• Light: They thrive in full sun. The more sun, the sturdier the plant and the more blooms you’ll enjoy.
• Soil: Well-drained soil is essential. They dislike “wet feet,” especially in winter. Sandy or gravelly soils are ideal.
• Water: Once established, they’re drought tolerant. Water during extended dry spells, but don’t overdo it.
• Fertilizer: Less is more. Too much fertilizer encourages weak, leggy growth instead of strong flowering.
• Pruning: Avoid cutting them back in late fall—you’ll risk removing next year’s growth. Instead, wait until early spring (no later than May) to cut back dead branches and shape the plant. Be cautious not to prune too much, as heavy cutting can delay or even prevent blooming for the season.
• Spacing: Give them room—these daisies can grow 2–3 feet tall and just as wide.

 

Fun Facts

• The name Montauk daisy comes from Montauk Point on Long Island, where the plant naturalized after being introduced from Japan.
• Their foliage is thick, leathery, and evergreen in warmer climates. In New England, the leaves often turn a rich bronze in fall before dropping.
• Because they bloom so late, some gardeners call them the “last hurrah” of the perennial garden.

 

 

Design and Style Ideas

Montauk daisies have a clean, classic look that works in many settings:

• Seaside style: Pair them with ornamental grasses, Russian sage, and sedum for a breezy coastal garden feel.
• Cottage charm: Mix them with asters and coneflowers for a relaxed, informal look.
• Pollinator patch: Plant alongside goldenrod and Joe-Pye weed to provide a buffet for bees and butterflies.
• Cut flower arrangements: Their long stems and bright blooms make them a cheerful addition to fall bouquets.

 

 

Why Add Them to Your Garden?

If you’ve ever wished your garden could keep its color going into October, Montauk daisies are the solution. Their cheerful flowers, tough nature, and adaptability make them a must-have for New England gardens. They’re reliable perennials that ask for little and give a lot—beauty, pollinator support, and structure at a time when your garden is ready for a second wind.

👉 Visit your nearest Mahoney’s and add Montauk daisies to your fall garden lineup!