Melampodium , also know as Butter Daisy ( Melampodium divaricatum ) , is a delicious flora that adds looker to garden and landscape painting . One of the first thing to understand about this plant is its life bicycle – it is an annual , not a perennial . This signify that it completes its entire life history oscillation , from seed sprouting to florescence and come production , within one year . As a result , it will not survive through the winter and will need to be replant each year .
Now , you might be wondering why someone would opt to maturate an yearly industrial plant when there are so many perennial alternative available . Well , there are several reasons why melampodium is a popular choice for gardeners .
foremost , melampodium is a low - sustainment flora , making it a great option for those who may not have a destiny of clock time or experience with horticulture . Once implant , it requires minimal care and aid . It is drought - tolerant , meaning it can withstand periods of juiceless weather without much need for watering . Additionally , it is comparatively pest and disease resistant , so you wo n’t have to occupy too much about plebeian garden problems .
second , genus Melampodium is a true blunder . It starts flowering in later leap or early summertime and keep to flower until the first hoar . This prolonged blooming flow ensures that your garden will be meet with vibrant yellowed daisy - like flowers for a meaning portion of the year . The bloom are also attractive to pollinators , such as bees and butterflies , which adds to the overall biodiversity and ecologic value of your garden .
In terms of its visual aspect , melampodium has a compact and shaggy-coated growth habit , typically reaching a height of 12 - 18 in . The foliage is green and moderately fern - like , providing a nice backdrop for the hopeful yellow bloom . The flowers themselves are small , about an column inch in diam , and they have a charming daisy - like appearance with yellow petals and a counterpoint blue center .
Melampodium is versatile and can be used in various garden setting . It work well as a border plant , edging a pathway or define a garden bed . It can also be mass - planted for a striking showing of scandalmongering bloom . Additionally , it does well in container , making it a suitable choice for patio gardens or balconies .
Personal experience : I have grow melampodium in my own garden for several years , and it has always been a reliable performer . The bright yellowed flush never neglect to bring a smile to my face , and their extended blooming flow adds a cheerful touch to my garden throughout the summertime and into the fall . I apprize its low - maintenance nature , as it allows me to sharpen on other aspects of horticulture while still enjoying beautiful bloom .
To summarize , melampodium is an annual plant that blooms from May until the first frost . Its scurvy - sustentation nature , prolonged blooming period , and attractive appearing make it a popular choice for gardener . Whether used as a border works , mass - constitute , or get in containers , genus Melampodium adds a vibrant and cheerful element to any garden or landscape .
Caroline Bates
