Dahlberg daisy (Thymophylla tenuiloba)
Dahlberg daisy (Thymophylla tenuiloba) offers prolific yellow blooms and aromatic foliage. Low maintenance and drought tolerant.
Complete Plant Information
Overview
The Dahlberg daisy, scientifically known as Thymophylla tenuiloba, is a cheerful, sun-loving annual treasured for its extended bloom period and neat, compact habit. Native to Texas and Mexico, this species brings reliable, bright yellow color to the garden from early summer until the first hard frost. Its defining features include the small, daisy-like flowers juxtaposed against finely divided, aromatic foliage.
While generally grown as an annual across most of the United States, Thymophylla tenuiloba is a short-term perennial in zones 9 and 10, offering flexibility in warmer landscapes. gardeners appreciate the low maintenance requirements backing up its robust performance in hot, dry conditions.
The easy-to-grow nature and tolerance to poor soils make the Dahlberg daisy an excellent choice for mass plantings, rock gardens, or as a reliable filler in container arrangements. Its fine texture softens hard edges while providing masses of cheerful yellow contrast.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Asteraceae
- Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
- Native Range: Texas, Mexico
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 9-10
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 0.5-1 ft
- Spread: 0.5-1 ft
- Bloom Time: June to frost
- Bloom Description: Yellow
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Water Needs: Dry to medium
- Maintenance Level: Low
How to Grow
For optimal performance, plant Thymophylla tenuiloba in a location receiving full sun throughout the day, which is essential for prolific flowering. This plant thrives in average, well-drained soils, performing especially well in sandy mixes. If starting from seed, direct-sow 1 to 2 weeks before the last expected frost for blooms four months later, or start indoors 6 to 8 weeks prior for an earlier start. Set transplants out only after all danger of frost has passed.
Once established, the Dahlberg daisy is remarkably drought tolerant and requires minimal supplemental watering, preferring dry to medium soil conditions. Avoid overly rich soils or excessive moisture, as prolonged wet feet can lead to root rot. Little to no fertilization is typically required; too much fertilizer can encourage foliage growth at the expense of blooms.
Maintenance is simple but beneficial. Deadheading spent flowers will encourage Thymophylla tenuiloba to continue setting new buds throughout the season. While flowering might slow slightly during peak summer heat in very hot climates, regular deadheading helps manage its look. The plant can self-seed under ideal conditions, potentially leading to naturalized patches in successive years.
Landscape Uses
The characteristics of the Dahlberg daisy make it exceptionally versatile in sunny, water-wise designs. Use it as a low-growing annual ground cover where its dense habit suppresses weeds. It excels as a bedding or edging plant, creating a bright, uniform border along walkways or flower beds where its small stature won’t overshadow taller neighbors.
Its suitability for containers and hanging baskets cannot be overstated, especially when paired with trailing plants that soften the basket or pot edges. Consider planting Thymophylla tenuiloba in rock gardens or desert-themed gardens, where its drought tolerance is a significant asset. It pairs well with other sun-lovers that tolerate dryness, such as Sedums, low-growing Lantana varieties, or Portulaca.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
Noteworthy Characteristics
Thymophylla tenuiloba, commonly called Dahlberg daisy or golden fleece, is native to Texas and Mexico. It is an erect to spreading plant that grows to 10” tall. Features yellow daisy-like flowers and aromatic foliage finely divided into narrow segments. Small daisies (1/2 diameter) feature yellow to orange-yellow rays and yellow center disks. Blooms summer to early fall. Synonymous with Dyssodia tenuiloba.
Tolerances
- Drought
- Dry Soil
- Shallow-Rocky Soil
Potential Problems
Thymophylla tenuiloba is generally resilient, showing no serious insect or disease problems under standard care. The primary cultural hazard relates directly to soil conditions; root rot may occur if the plant is situated in poorly-drained, wet soils, especially during cooler periods. Prevention involves ensuring excellent drainage upon planting and sticking strictly to dry-to-medium watering schedules.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Dahlberg daisy suitable for?
The Dahlberg daisy (Thymophylla tenuiloba) is hardy in USDA Zones 9 and 10, though it is widely grown as an annual elsewhere.
How large does Dahlberg daisy grow?
This species typically reaches a compact height between 0.5 and 1 foot tall, with a similar spread of 0.5 to 1 foot wide.
When does Dahlberg daisy bloom?
It provides consistent bright yellow flowers from June straight through to the first frost of the season.
What sun exposure does Dahlberg daisy need?
Thymophylla tenuiloba requires full sun exposure to flower effectively all season long.
Conclusion
The Dahlberg daisy offers exceptional value for gardeners seeking low-maintenance color that thrives in heat and dryness. Its fragrant, finely textured leaves and reliable yellow blossoms ensure Thymophylla tenuiloba remains a favorite for borders and containers. Verify your area falls within USDA Zones 9-10 for perennial success, or plan to treat this gem as a superb annual for season-long cheer.
Companion Planting
Since the Dahlberg daisy requires full sun and tolerates dry, shallow soils, companion plants should share these rugged requirements. Pair it with other drought-tolerant fillers like various low-growing Sedums or creeping Thymes (Thymus species) to create textural contrast while maintaining a similar water budget. For seasonal height variation in a rock garden setting, group Thymophylla tenuiloba near upright Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia) or upright Penstemons that also favor sharp drainage.
Container Growing
Growing Dahlberg daisy in containers is an excellent strategy, especially for gardeners outside of its perennial range, as it maximizes the impact of its continuous bloom. Use a potting mix formulated for succulents or cacti, ensuring the container has ample drainage holes, as perched water is fatal. Because it prefers dry conditions, allow the top inch or two of soil to dry out completely between waterings, which is far less frequent than many common annuals require. Keeping the plant slightly root-bound in its container will often encourage even more prolific flowering.
