Quck answer
Caring for a daisy tree is relatively easy. Here are some key tips:
1. Sunlight: Place the tree in a sunny spot, as daisies thrive in full sunlight.
2. Watering: Water the tree regularly, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged.
3. Fertilizer: Use a balanced fertilizer during the growing season to promote healthy growth.
4. Pruning: Trim the tree after blooming to maintain its shape and remove any dead or damaged branches.
5. Pests and diseases: Monitor for pests like aphids and treat them promptly. Also, watch out for diseases like powdery mildew and take necessary precautions.
6. Winter care: Protect the tree from frost by moving it indoors or covering it with a frost cloth.
By following these simple care guidelines, your daisy tree will flourish and bring beauty to your garden.
Many nurseries sell what they refer to as a “daisy tree,” but these are often perennial daisy plants that are not actually trees. The true daisy tree is an evergreen tree that has a nice, rounded shape and can reach a height and width of 15 feet.
Identifying a Daisy Tree
The official name for the daisy tree, which distinguishes it as “the” daisy tree, is Montanoa arborescens. It is also known as Montanoa leucantha var. arborescens and Eriocoma arborescens. It is sometimes called the “Mexican tree daisy” as well. Another plant that is sometimes referred to as a daisy tree is the Marguerite daisy (Argyranthemum frutescens), but this is not a tree and belongs to a different genus.
The daisy tree, along with all other species in the Montanoa genus, is native to the cloud forests of Central and South America. It can be found at high elevations of 4,000 to 10,000 feet from Mexico to Peru, where there is a lot of moisture. Some species in the genus are shrubs or vines. However, M. arborescens is a tree, although it may have multiple trunks unless pruned to have a single trunk.
The daisy tree is a rare and desirable specimen that blooms in the autumn and early winter. Its flowers have a cherry-like fragrance and can last for several weeks. In colder temperatures outside its ideal growing zones, it will die back in the winter but may grow new shoots in the spring. It is considered to be a fast-growing tree, adding approximately 2 feet of height per year.
Taking Care of a Daisy Tree
A daisy tree thrives in warm climates and grows best in USDA zones 9 to 10 (which approximately correspond to Sunset zones 16 to 17 and 20 to 24). Choose a location with full sun exposure and soil that is rich in organic matter and drains well. It is not picky about soil pH and can grow in slightly acidic to slightly alkaline soils.
Daisy trees are usually propagated through cuttings, so if you are planting one, it is likely a young sapling grown from a cutting. Dig a hole that is deep and wide enough to accommodate the root ball and position the tree in the hole at the same level it was in the pot. Fill the hole with soil, firmly pack it down to secure the root ball, and then water thoroughly. Make sure to continue watering until the tree becomes established.
If your area experiences frost, the tree may die back. In this case, use clean and sharp pruning shears to trim off the damaged growth, and the tree may produce new shoots. To maintain a tree shape with a single trunk, prune off lower branches as the tree regrows. Use a stake to support the central trunk and ensure that it grows straight.
