Chrysactinia mexicanaWhen it's good, it's very very good, but when it's bad, it's horrid! This is a perfect description of Chrysactinia mexicana, or Damianita Daisy. There is a lot to like about this evergreen shrub, but a lot to dislike too. It can flower year-round, but it looks its very best right now when the flowers are profuse. It has a wonderful,
sharp scent that I really like.It flowers in cycles, and when not in flower, its bad side shows. The shrub is woody, and can have ugly gaps in the needle-like foliage. It just looks horrid. Another problem is the tiny seedlings that sprout all over my garden every spring. I didn't realize how easily it self-seeds. This shrub reaches a height of two feet and can spread over three feet. The larger it gets, the more beautiful it is when flowering, but the opposite is true. The larger it is, the uglier the gaps!
5 comments:
I just saw this plant tonight in a newer development here in town and was wondering what it was, and here you blog about it. Good to know, they had it with some purple trailing lantana, and bush morning glory it was a nice combo. I really enjoy reading your blog. So often you write about what I'm wondering or like experiences. I also appreciate when you mention checking things like the drip irrigation. That reminded me to do the same as the warm weather is fast approaching. Thank you so much for sharing your wealth of information and experiences.
Andrew--thanks for your comments. I'm glad you find it helpful, and I certainly appreciate your visits.
Aiyana
I had a look around your garden. Cacti and succulents are such fantastic plants. I have a barrel cactus it is 30 years old. Generally my climate is to humid for cacti. I will come back and enjoy yours.
We put up with the ugly to have the beauty. I've often thought that the brown leaves of daffodils and tulips are so ugly in the garden, but endure them to have their flowers in the spring.
Another informative post..Thank you.
do they really grow in circles?
Arlene,
University Place florist
Post a Comment