Boltonia starts off in spring as a small, finely textured gray-green plant but grows slowly and steadily until late summer when it reaches its full height and girth and is covered with tiny white daisy-like flowers. It creates a giant haze of white in the back of the border and is a fabulous backdrop for all the other plants in the fall border. It is undemanding and easy to grow and does not need much space until its grand finale when blooming. It is a good cut flower, too.
Type: Herbaceous perennial.
Bloom: Masses of tiny white daisies in late summer. August-September.
Size: 3-6’ H x 2-4 W.
Light: Full sun to light shade.
Soil: Average, moist, well drained.
Hardiness: Zones 4-9.
Care: Cut back in spring for more compact plants. Cut to the ground when finished blooming in fall.
Pests and Diseases: Anthracnose, rust, powdery mildew, leaf spot possible.
Propagation: Spreads by rhizomes; divide in early spring.
Companion plants: Russian sage, sedum ‘Autumn Joy’, goldenrod (Solidago especially ‘Fireworks’), various asters, anemones, and grasses.
Comments: Excess fertilizer may cause plants to flop and need staking.
Karen Meyers