Melampodium

( mel - am - POH - dee - um )

At-A-Glance Information

This genus of flowering perennials or annuals is also known as Blackfoot or Blackfoot Daisy, and requires full sun and moderate water. They are rugged plants, native to tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Most species can be found in Mexico, five in the United States, and the rest in Colombia and Brazil. Plants generally reach a height of about three feet tall , and tend to flop over when fully grown. They are moderately drought- and heat-tolerant, and produce daisy form yellow to white flowers. Use these plants in containers, mixed beds, in borders, or in natural, informal or cottage gardens.

Melampodium species and varietals

The genus Melampodium is a member of the plant family Asteraceae and includes around 40 species. Melampodium grows best in zones 2, 3 and 10-13. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.

Melampodium divaricatum (Gold Medallion)
This species was first described in 1836. It produces yellow flowers with yellow centers, hence the common name Gold Medallion. Foliage is dark green to green. 

Melampodium leucanthum (Plains Blackfoot, Blackfoot Daisy)
​These flowers are native to Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, and Mexico. They form clumps of grey-green foliage about a foot tall and just as wide. White daisies are fragrant and smell of honey, and provide a profuse show of blooms in midspring through early fall. They will discontinue blooming in freezing temperatures. ​

Caring for Melampodium

Blackfoot Daisy grows best in decomposed granite, and needs great drainage. These plants can become a bit straggly with age, and can be cut back in fall to improve appearance.

Propagation

Problems and Pests

Gallery

Camellias are great candidates to be grown as container plants on your patio.
A field of thea sinensis
Camellia hiemalis 'Shishi Gashira'

Videos

A video all about growing camellias successfully
Propagating camellias

Resources

Wikipedia: Melamopodium
The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Page 440, Melampodium leucanthum
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