Extension Communications
Extension 4-H Youth Building
Ames, Iowa 50011-3630
(515) 294-9915
|
|
Extension Communications |
8/26/04
Contacts:
Linda Naeve, Reiman Gardens, (515) 294-8946, lnaeve@iastate.edu
Jean McGuire, Continuing Education and Communication Services, (515) 294-7033,
jmcguire@iastate.edu
Reiman's Pick For the week of August 23, 2004
Melampodium is an Unforgettable Annual for Iowa Gardens
Linda Naeve
Extension Coordinator
Reiman Gardens
Iowa State University Extension
Melampodium, pronounced mel-am-POH-dee-um, may not be an easy name to remember,
but the plant is memorable once you see it and unforgettable once you grow
it.
Beginning in early summer and continuing through fall, these mound-shaped
plants are covered with small, yellow, daisy-like flowers. The vivid green
foliage
of Melampodium accentuates these evenly-spaced flowers while also providing
a dramatic contrast in color.
Depending on the variety chosen, Melamopodium paludosum can grow 8 to 24 inches tall. 'Lemon Delight' is a small, dwarf variety that grows only 8 to 10 inches and is perfect for containers. 'Million Gold' and 'Medallion' are varieties that grow up to two feet tall. 'Showstar,' which grows 18 to 20 inches in height, is the favorite variety of the horticulturists at Reiman Gardens because of its tidy form, continuous bloom and versatility as both an edger and focal point in containers.
Melampodium is one of the easiest flowering annuals to grow. It matures into uniform mounds that bloom consistently without the need for dead-heading. However, you may want to remove the spent blooms late in the season to prevent the spread of volunteer seedlings.
Two of Melampodium's best attributes are that rabbits and deer leave it alone and that this plant will withstand our Iowa climate. It performs well in the heat of summer with moderate amounts of water and grows best in full sun and well-drained soil. Under prolonged wet soil conditions or severe drought, the leaves shrivel up and plant growth is stunted.
Melampodium is a good substitute for marigolds because it does not require regular deadheading and is not susceptible to asters yellows, a virus-like organism that affects marigolds. Melampodium plants are good companions for other hot-weather annuals, such as ageratum, gomphrena, and celosia. The bright, yellow melampodium flowers complement 'Victoria Blue' salvia and, when planted side by side, offer an appealing variation in flower form.
Interestingly, Melampodium does have a common name, medallion flower, but it is rarely used. Melampodium is a classy little flower with a formal name that should be a memorable part of your garden vocabulary.
You will not want to miss the bold and colorful melampodium plantings in the Patty Jischke Children's Garden and in the Town and Country Garden at Iowa State University's Reiman Gardens in Ames.
-30-
|
Editors: A color photo, suitable for publication, is available at right. Click on the thumbnail photo to go to the fullsized photo. The picture's fullsize photo is 464K. Caption: Melampodium is one of the easiest annual flowers to grow. It tolerates hot, dry weather, does not require dead-heading, and is not bothered by deer or rabbits. Melampodium 'Showstar' grows 18 to 20 inches tall and is covered with small, yellow, daisy-like flowers early summer through fall. |
 |