This is a common site in our part of southern Rhode Island right now. The Montauk daisies (Nipponanthemum nipponicumare) are in full bloom, and almost everyone has at least one clump. They begin blooming in early October and the show continues for about a month.
Mature plants are very large and will take over your flower beds, so it’s best to plant them where they won’t crowd out anything else. The flowers smell kind of stinky, but the plant is very well- adapted to our part of the country, and therefore, just about bulletproof. They are hardy in Zones 5 to 9.
The leaves have nice, thick cuticles, which protect them from dog urine, so it’s okay to plant them near mailboxes and curbside sign posts.
Our neighbor has just planted some young Montauks on her lawn. They’ll form a nice hedge next year.
These plants should be cut back hard in early May so they don’t get floppy and bare in the middle. I cut mine down to about 8 inches.
Digging RI 
These are wonderful! I’m in the northern part of the state and do not see any in the neighborhoods up my way. Are they likely to do well up here?
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As long as you are in zone 5 to 9, it should be fine.
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Don’t have any here but have wanted to plant them for past 2 yrs. Thanks for the reminder of their beauty and adaptability. Am determined to plant next yr.
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Now’s a good time to do it. I planted a cutting from a neighbor’s plant last year and this year it’s pretty large and full of blooms.
Maybe you can ask someone for a piece of hers!
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