Blackfoot Daisies

Kay Young · Joined: 10 Mar 2003 Posts: 133 Location: Dallas,TX

Hi all,
Last spring I planted blackfoot daisies for the first time. They really thrived all spring, summer, and fall. At some point they went dormant, and since then, I have seen no signs of life. I don't know what their normal winter behaviour is, and I was wondering if any of you more experienced gardeners could tell me if you think they are merely napping, or if it sounds like they have expired. Their superstructure (above the ground) looks crispy, but I was hoping that maybe they would come up from the roots. What do you think?
Thanks!
K

Tricky Grama · Posted: Wed Feb 08, 2006 8:40 am Post subject: blackfoot daisy

Kay-
In HG's book-Tx Gardening the Natural Way-quote: "Dies to the ground in winter, but returns faithfully each year." Are you concerned b/c it looks as tho it died b/4 it was supposed to? Nothing is said about cutting it back after it dies down.
Patty

Kay Young · Joined: 10 Mar 2003 Posts: 133 Location: Dallas,TX

Patty
I should have looked in Howard's book before writing my note. Now that I am reading his description, I see that my plants grew about twice as big as "normal". I finally cut them back in late fall when they were looking overgrown and kind of scrappy. I cut them back to about 7-8" tall, and what is left is actually woody. If they are supposed to come back from the roots, I probably should cut back the white, dead- looking wood to the ground to make room for the new foliage to grow.
Thanks,
K