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Growth Rate
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Moderate, forming neat, compact clumps that mature quickly and bloom the first year when planted early. |
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Colorful leaves
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Flowering
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Yes |
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Bloom Color
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Disease resistant
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No |
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Cold Tolerant
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Yes |
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Heat Tolerant
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Yes |
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Drought Tolerant
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No |
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Deer Resistant
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Yes |
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Edible
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No |
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Wildlife Attraction
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Strongly attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. In late summer, the seed heads can also attract small birds. |
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Self-pollinating
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Seasonality
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Blooms from early summer through late summer with proper deadheading. Foliage remains green through most of the growing season before dying back in late fall. In colder regions, it re-emerges each spring from hardy rootstocks. |
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Ideal For
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Mixed borders, cottage gardens, pollinator gardens, container plantings, and cutting gardens |
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Leaf Description
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Glossy, dark green, lance-shaped leaves that form a compact basal mound. The foliage is sturdy and slightly toothed, providing a lush backdrop for the flowers. |
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Flower Description
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Produces large, bright white daisy-like blooms with sunny yellow centers on sturdy stems. Flowers are typically 3–4 inches wide, held upright, and bloom abundantly from early to mid-summer, often reblooming with deadheading. The compact habit keeps blooms tidy and well above the foliage. |
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Planting Instructions
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Plant ‘Luna’ in spring or early fall in fertile, well-drained soil. Choose a sunny location where it will receive full light for at least 6 hours a day. Dig a hole as deep as the root ball and twice as wide, then loosen the soil at the base for good drainage. Set the plant so the crown is level with the soil surface, fill in around it, and water thoroughly. Space plants 12–18 inches apart to allow airflow and prevent disease. Apply mulch around the base to help retain moisture and reduce weeds. |
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Pruning & Maintenance
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Deadhead spent blooms regularly to promote continuous flowering. Cut the stems back to new lateral buds or down to the basal foliage. After flowering ends in late summer or fall, trim the plant to a few inches above ground to maintain a tidy shape. Divide clumps every 2–3 years in early spring to maintain vigor and prevent overcrowding. |
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Water Needs
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Keep soil moderately moist, especially during establishment and flowering. Once established, ‘Luna’ tolerates short dry periods but performs best with regular watering. Avoid overwatering or soggy conditions, which can cause root rot. |
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Light Needs
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Performs best in full sun, which encourages strong stems and abundant blooms. It can tolerate very light shade, but flowering may decrease. |
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Harvesting
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The flowers make excellent long-lasting cut blooms for floral arrangements. After pollination, small dry seeds form in the flower heads. Seeds can be collected in late summer if propagation is desired. |
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Fertilizing
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Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring when new growth appears. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, which produce excess foliage at the expense of flowers. Supplement with compost or organic matter annually for steady nutrient supply. |
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Pollination
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Pollinated primarily by bees, butterflies, and other pollinating insects attracted to the daisy’s bright yellow center. It is self-fertile but benefits from cross-pollination for improved seed set. |
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Companion Plants
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Excellent companions include Echinacea, Salvia, Coreopsis, Nepeta, Veronica, and Lavandula. These sun-loving, drought-tolerant perennials complement its bright blooms and similar care needs, creating colorful summer displays. |