Species melampodium
Yellow flower with orange center green leaves and stems, yellow midrib and veins.

melampodium

Melampodium divaricatum

Melampodium divaricatum, commonly known as blackfoot daisy, has bright sunny yellow petals with black centers and feathery foliage. It is a drought-tolerant, low-maintenance, herbaceous perennial plant native to Texas and Mexico. It is a bushy, mounding plant that grows up to 2 feet in height and nearly as wide. This species prefers full sun to partial shade and can tolerate heat and humidity well. It is a fast and easy to grow flower that does not require much maintenance, making it an attractive choice for the beginner or experienced gardener alike. With its low growing habit and brilliant yellow daisy-like flowers, Melampodium divaricatum is an easy flower to incorporate into any outdoor setting.

Cycle:

Annual

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Seed Propagation,Cutting,Division

Hardiness Zone:

2 - 11

Flowers:

Yellow Flowers

Sun:

Full sun

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Melampodium (Melampodium divaricatum) prefers warm temperatures and well-drained soil, and can be grown in partial shade. It should be watered just enough to keep the soil lightly moist, but not wet - about an inch of water a week is optimal. During especially hot weather, it may need to be watered more frequently - up to twice a week. When the top inch of soil starts to dry, it is time to water again - but allow the soil to dry out completely between watering. Make sure the soil drains well, and avoid over-watering which can cause root rot.

sunlight

Melampodium (Melampodium divaricatum) plants require full to partial sun with at least 4 to 6 hours of direct sun per day. They prefer morning or late afternoon sun instead of mid-day heat, as it can take a toll on their foliage. In the winter months, they need the maximum amount of light available to them in order to keep producing and flowering. The best place to put them is in an area with south or west-facing windows.

pruning

Melampodium (Melampodium divaricatum) should be pruned lightly in spring, removing any straggly or dead stems. Prune to encourage compact growth and shape the plant. For me, a light shaping pruning every 2 to 3 years is! sufficient to maintain the shape. In midwinter, prune more heavily, if desired, to keep the shape of the plant in check.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Melampodium divaricatum typically starts flowering in late spring, usually in April or May.

Hardiness Map