Daisies - What did I do wrong?

Exactly what is it you are calling a "daisy shrub"?

You are probably not doing anything wrong. What you were told may not have been accurate.

If they are a daisy of some kind you should be able to prune them quite hard and they should grow back again quite freely. They probably will also grow easily from cuttings so you could renew them periodically if you need to.

Well, I call them that as they aren't individual plants.

Probably.

Marg

Could you be any less clear in your reply?

How about a link to a picture of what you are calling a "daisy shrub" if you are unable to name the plant?

Nothing you did wrong. The plants are just thriving a little more enthusiastically than you hoped for.

Hard to say just what sort of shrubby daisy you have without more info. Where I am (Southern California), Euryops is common and can grow to about 6 feet; it's easily kept smaller by pruning. Marguerites, on the other hand, don't take to hard pruning and are so short-lived that you will be replacing them in a season or two anyway.

Just a thought: if yours is the Euryops with dark green foliage, maybe take half of them out and head the remaining ones back to side branches. In the gaps left behind, put in some Dusty Miller for a quick and dramatic contrast.

Hello Marg,

If they are the daisy shrubs I also have - the best thing to do is to prune them medium to hard during winter time.

It will keep the size down and bring out new growth in Spring.

Cheers,

YM

Indeed they are!

I could hope I have the latter but think I bought the former. Sigh.... And my name is Marguerite so I guess that's karma for ya.

I'll try that. I absolutely HATE to cut back something that is thriving so well, BUT, it's impeding my walkway. I had thought I was planting something that would stay relatively small and civilized. Apparently, it's not. Thanks for the suggestion.

Marg

Thanks! I thought of doing that but around here they don't seem to ever stop blooming. I have NO idea when to prune them. Perhaps I should just give up and let them do what they wish to. After all, some things just won't grow at all. Why should I be upset about things that do well? Even better than well? :-)

Marg