Seaside Daisy

Seaside daisy, also called beach aster, is a low mounding perennial native to coastal dunes and bluffs from Oregon to Southern California. Its blue-green leaves form a spreading clump, while purple daisy flowers with yellow centers brighten the garden from spring through summer. [UC Cooperative Extension](https://ucanr.edu/node/103109/printable/print) describes a typical plant as about 1 foot high and up to 3 feet wide. ## Siting and Seasonal Interest Give seaside daisy full sun or light shade, with protection from intense inland heat. It suits coastal beds, rock gardens, deep containers, pond margins, and the front of a border. The species is adapted to coastal conditions and relatively low summer moisture; once established, it needs little supplemental water, with somewhat more needed inland. Flowers may continue into fall when spent heads are trimmed. ## Maintenance Remove faded flowers periodically to extend the display. Divide older, tight crowns every year or two to refresh growth and reduce crowding; rooted divisions can be replanted. [UC Cooperative Extension](https://ucanr.edu/node/103109/printable/print) also describes propagation from cuttings or seed.