Description
The Alaska Daisy, is a classic perennial that’s beloved for its cheerful, classic white flowers with yellow centers. It’s an easy-to-grow plant that adds a bright, daisy-like appearance to gardens and thrives in a range of conditions. Known for its sturdy, upright habit, it’s perfect for borders, meadows, or cutting gardens.
Ideal Growing Conditions:
Light: Full sun to partial shade. Alaska Daisy thrives in full sun, where it produces the most flowers, but it can tolerate light shade, especially in hotter climates.
Soil: Prefers well-drained soil, with slightly acidic to neutral pH. It grows best in loamy, rich soil but can adapt to a variety of soil types as long as there’s good drainage.
Water: Moderate watering. While it’s fairly drought-tolerant once established, it does best with regular watering, especially during dry spells. Be sure not to let the soil become waterlogged.
Temperature: Hardy in USDA zones 5-9, making it suitable for many climates, from northern temperate areas to more moderate southern regions.
Maintenance: Low-maintenance, but deadheading (removing spent flowers) will encourage more blooms throughout the season. Cutting back the plant after it blooms can also keep it tidy and promote re-blooming. It’s important to divide the plant every few years to prevent overcrowding and maintain vigor.
Key Features:
Foliage: The plant has dark green, lance-shaped leaves that form a neat rosette and support the large, daisy-like flowers.
Flowers: The bright white flowers with a sunny yellow center bloom from late spring to summer. These flowers can be up to 3-4 inches in diameter and are perfect for cut flowers.
Growth Habit: Typically grows 18-24 inches tall, with a spread of 18-30 inches, forming a dense clump. It’s upright and bushy, making it great for filling gaps in the garden or as a standalone feature in a bed.
Summary: The Alaska Daisy is a hardy, easy-to-grow perennial that thrives in USDA zones 5-9. Preferring full sun and well-drained soil, it adds bright, cheerful blooms to any garden, with its large white daisies and yellow centers. It’s a low-maintenance plant that provides a classic, fresh look to garden beds, borders, and cutting gardens. Deadheading and occasional dividing keep it healthy and promote an ongoing show of flowers throughout the season. Ideal for gardeners looking for a reliable and beautiful bloom that attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies.
