Engelmannia peristenia (Engelmann Daisy)

Sturdy, heat and drought tolerant, Engelmannia peristenia (Engelmann Daisy) is a showy evergreen perennial forming a dense rosette of deeply lobed, deep-green leaves, 6 to 12 inches long (15-30 cm), which adds lush texture to the dry garden. Blooming from spring to frost, depending on locations, masses of eight-petalled, yellow daisy flowers, 1.5 in. across (4 cm), are carried in terminal clusters on stout, branching stems above the fuzzy foliage. Forming a mound of brilliant yellow blooms, the flowers open in the afternoon and bloom through the night eventually fading and curling under during the heat of the day. Butterflies are attracted to the flowers, birds relish the seeds, deer and rabbits browse the leaves. Found along roadsides, this south-central North American native is a favorite of grazing herbivores and will disappear from overgrazed meadows. Thriving in any garden conditions except for deep shade, Engelmann Daisy is perfect for the xeric perennial border or the wildflower meadow. It is also valuable for erosion control thanks to its deep taproot.

• Grows up to 1-3 ft. tall (30-90 cm) and 14-16 in. wide (35-40 cm). Will self-seed if the seeds are not devoured by the birds.
• Thrives in full sun to part or dappled shade in moderate to dry, well-drained soils. Supplemental watering may be required if winter and spring are unusually dry. Watering often extends the flowering period.
• Great for beds and borders or prairies and meadows.
• Robust, low maintenance. If cut back in late summer, Engelmannia may bloom again in fall.
• Propagate by seed in fall. After flowering stops, allow seeds to completely mature before mowing. This plant has a relatively significant taproot and is best transplanted in winter during its rosette stage.
• Native from south-central North America from Kansas, Arkansas, and Colorado in the north, south through Texas and New Mexico to northeastern Mexico.