Michaelmas Daisy
Lavandula angustifolia
Quick Care Guide
Prune: Deadhead to encourage new blooms; cut back in early spring
Sunlight: Needs 6+ hours of full sun
Water: Weekly, keep soil moist but well-drained
Fertilize: Feed once a month in spring and early summer
Leaves: Lance-shaped, dark green
Flowers: Purple, blue, or pink daisy-like blooms in late summer to fall
Pruning
Michaelmas daisies benefit from deadheading throughout the blooming season. Remove spent blooms to encourage new flowers and maintain a neat appearance. In early spring, cut back any dead or damaged stems to about 4-6 inches above the ground to encourage fresh growth and fuller plants. This plant can also be cut back after the first bloom if you want a second, smaller flush of flowers.
Watering
Water weekly, keeping the soil consistently moist but well-drained. Be careful not to overwater as this can lead to root rot. During dry periods, you may need to water more frequently. Ensure good drainage to prevent the roots from becoming waterlogged.
Leaves
The leaves are lance-shaped, dark green, and slightly toothed, providing a nice contrast to the bright blooms. The foliage grows in a dense clump and supports the tall stems.
Sunlight
These daisies thrive in full sun and need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day for best performance. Insufficient sunlight will result in weak, leggy growth and fewer blooms.
Fertilization
Feed Michaelmas daisies once a month with a balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) during the spring and early summer growing season. This will encourage healthy growth and a robust display of flowers. Avoid fertilizing in late summer or fall as the plant prepares for dormancy.
Flowers
Michaelmas daisies produce vibrant, daisy-like flowers in shades of purple, blue, or pink. These blossoms bloom in late summer to fall, often reaching their peak around the time of the Michaelmas holiday, hence their name. The flowers are a favorite for attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies.