Horticulture/Nipponanthemum nipponicum

The Nippon daisy (Nipponanthemum nipponicum, synonyms include Chrysanthemum nipponicum and Leucanthemum nipponicum) is a large bushy perennial which is grown for its good foliage and the large daisy-like flowers in mid- to late autumn.

Description
The plant grows as a mounded, shrub-like perennial up to 3 ft. tall with a wider spread. The leaves are a good dark green, and can be semi-evergreen. Flowers are heads 2-4" wide, with white rays and yellow disks. Stems are stout, green but turning light brown when old, and can root at the nodes if they are allowed to contact the soil.

Growing conditions
Nippon daisy prefers full sun and a rich, well-drained soil. It can survive drought but may wilt temporarily if the soil becomes extremely dry. This plant becomes very large very quickly, so should be sited somewhere where there is ample space.

Varieties
While there are few cultivars of this species, it has been used as a parent plant for hybrid chrysanthemums.

Uses
Grown for fall display and as a cut flower.

Maintenance
The plants can be cut back by 1/2 in midsummer to encourage a more compact, bushy habit, but it will be completely covered in blooms at the end of the season even if not cut back.

Propagation
Propagate by layering or division. Cuttings with buds can be rooted indoors over winter and planted outdoors in spring, but will not mature enough to bloom for several years.

Harvesting
As a cut flower, Nippon daisy has a long life in the vase if cut soon after they fully expand. Unopened flowers do not mature well.

Pests and diseases
This plant rarely has serious problems, but can get the same pests and diseases as Chrysanthemums.