Montanoa grandiflora - Daisy Tree

Montanoa grandiflora is a large shrub or very small tree in a frost free area. The Daisy Tree grows 10-15 feet tall. The sweet smelling white flowers bloom in the late Summer and Fall. The seed pods can be used as an interesting dry flower arrangement addition. I use the Daisy Tree for a quick screen and for the intense fragrance. Because the leaves are so large Montanoa grandiflora looks very tropical. Our plants have been damaged by frost in the middle 20°'s but have survived into the low 20°s F. I generally cut the Daisy tree pretty hard in the winter, leaving 3-5 feet or less of trunk and allowing the plants to resprout. In gardens with more frost I cut Montanoa grandiflora to the ground like a really big perennial. A number of butterflies will visit the Daisy Tree including White Checkered Skipper, Northern White Skipper,and the Painted Lady, making Montanoa grandiflora a fine addition to the Butterfly Garden.