Melampodium ‘Million Gold’: The Golden Summer Annual
Melampodium ‘Million Gold’, also known as Melampodium paludosum ‘Million Gold’, is a vibrant and reliable annual plant belonging to the Asteraceae family. This family, also known as the daisy family, includes a wide variety of flowering plants that are highly valued in ornamental gardening. Melampodium, commonly referred to as Butter Daisy, Blackfoot, or Gold Medallion Flower, is native to tropical regions, where it thrives in hot and humid conditions. ‘Million Gold’ is a popular cultivar and has prolific and long-lasting yellow blooms.
Description
‘Million Gold’ is a compact, bushy annual that grows to a height of about 14 to 15 inches with a similar spread. The plant forms a dense mound of bright green foliage, which is slightly fuzzy and has smooth, wavy, or slightly toothed margins. Its leaves are opposite and have an ovate shape.
The standout feature of ‘Million Gold’ is its abundant daisy-like flowers. Each flower is bright yellow with darker yellow centers, measuring between 1 to 3 inches in diameter. These flowers bloom profusely from late spring until the first frost, providing continuous color and visual interest throughout the growing season. The blooms are particularly attractive to butterflies and other pollinators, making ‘Million Gold’ a great choice for pollinator gardens.
Growth Habit and Season of Interest
‘Million Gold’ is a fast-growing annual that thrives in full sun to partial shade. It is highly tolerant of heat and can withstand dry conditions once established. This makes it an ideal choice for summer gardens, especially in regions with hot, dry summers. The plant maintains its vibrant appearance throughout the growing season, adding a cheerful splash of color to any garden setting.
Care Instructions for Melampodium ‘Million Gold’:
Light and Water Requirements: ‘Million Gold’ performs best in full sun but can tolerate partial shade. It prefers well-drained soils and is adaptable to a range of soil types and pH levels. Once established, the plant is drought-tolerant and only requires watering during prolonged dry periods.
Soil and Fertilization: The plant thrives in moderately fertile, humus-rich soils. While ‘Million Gold’ does not require heavy fertilization, a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer applied at planting and once or twice during the growing season can support its vigorous growth and prolific blooming.
Pruning and Maintenance: ‘Million Gold’ is relatively low maintenance. It does not require deadheading, as the plant naturally drops its spent blooms and continues to produce new ones. Pruning is generally unnecessary, except to remove any dieback or to shape the plant as desired. Proper spacing and good air circulation can help prevent powdery mildew, which can occasionally affect the plant.
Propagation
Melampodium ‘Million Gold’ is primarily propagated by seed.
From Seed:
- Indoors:
- Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost.
- Use a sterile seed-starting mix and sow the seeds on the surface, pressing them lightly into the soil without covering them, as they need light to germinate.
- Keep the soil moist and maintain a temperature of around 70°F (21°C).
- Once seedlings are large enough to handle, transplant them into individual pots and continue growing them indoors until it is safe to plant them outside.
- Outdoors:
- Sow seeds directly in the garden after the last frost date.
- Prepare the soil by incorporating organic matter and ensuring good drainage.
- Sow the seeds on the soil surface and press them lightly into the soil.
- Keep the soil moist until the seeds germinate and the seedlings are established.
Landscape Uses
‘Million Gold’ is a versatile plant that can be used in a variety of garden settings. Its compact size and bright blooms make it an excellent choice for borders, edging, and mass plantings. It can also be grown in containers, where it adds a vibrant touch to patios and balconies. Additionally, ‘Million Gold’ is a great choice for pollinator gardens, attracting bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects.
Special Features
- Heat Tolerance: ‘Million Gold’ thrives in hot summer conditions, making it ideal for gardens in warm climates.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, the plant is drought-tolerant and requires minimal watering.
- Pollinator Attraction: The bright yellow flowers attract butterflies and other pollinators.
- Low Maintenance: ‘Million Gold’ is easy to grow and requires minimal care, making it a great choice for gardeners of all skill levels.
Conclusion
Melampodium ‘Million Gold’ is a remarkable annual that brings vibrant color and cheerful blooms to any garden. Its heat and drought tolerance, combined with its low maintenance requirements, make it an ideal choice for summer gardens. Whether used in borders, containers, or pollinator gardens, ‘Million Gold’ adds a touch of sunshine to the landscape with its abundant and long-lasting yellow flowers. With proper care and attention, this reliable annual will provide months of beauty and enjoyment, making it a valuable addition to any garden.
