Tree Daisy Plant Care

Tree Daisy (Montanoa tomentosa) belongs to the Asteraceae family within the Montanoa genus. Tree Daisy is native to Mexico and much of Central America. Tree Daisy is also known as Dahlia Tree, Papelillo, Montanoa tomentosa.

Tree Daisy displays a tall, upright shrub growth habit, reaching up to 6 ft tall with a spread of approximately 4 ft. Tree Daisy produces small, daisy-like white flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Tree Daisy every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Tree Daisy thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Montanoa tomentosa tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F. Tree Daisy prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining soil mix with added perlite for improved drainage. Good drainage is essential for Tree Daisy to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Tree Daisy every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil mix with added perlite for improved drainage. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Tree Daisy is suited to USDA Zone 9b – 11b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Tree Daisy can spread to about 4 ft (1.2 m) and reach about 6 ft (2 m) tall. Space plants about 4 ft (1.2 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the tree spacing calculator.

Prune Tree Daisy while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the tree in one year.

Tree Daisy is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 9). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Tree Daisy can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to montanoa atriplicifolia plant care, which shares the same genus.

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Tree Daisy is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, whiteflies. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Tree Daisy grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9b – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 9b. Tree Daisy is native to Mexico and much of Central America. In cooler regions, grow Tree Daisy as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.