Erigeron Plant Growing & Care Guide for Gardeners
Article by Dean Ravenscroft, Ph.D. - Updated 24th Nov 2023
In this Gardener's HQ guide, we'll explore cultivating Erigeron plants in your garden, indoor spaces, and other settings.
- Plant Characteristics: Erigeron have daisy-like flowers that attract pollinators, and produce lush foliage. They can add charm and color to borders and rock gardens.
- Ideal Growing Conditions: Grow in well-drained soil and full sun. Tolerant of a variety of soil types and conditions, including coastal and drought-prone areas.
- General Care: Low maintenance. Deadheading encourages prolonged blooming and prevents self-seeding.
- Tips for New Gardeners: Fleabane is a great option for beginners. They are resilient and adaptable, and require minimal care. Focus on regular watering and full sun exposure for best results.
Fleabane, Spanish Daisy: Cultivation & Garden Use
Erigeron plants are hardy or half hardy perennials. They are native to Northern America.
Depending on the species of Erigeron being grown, they may flower from the start of summer through to the beginning of autumn.
Erigeron linearis by Matt Lavin.
They bear daisy like flowers of many colours, including orange, pink, white, purple, and yellow.
They grow in height from 10 to 90 cm (4 to 36 inches). This makes them great to use as edging plants or in the border. A common name for Erigeron is Fleabane.
Commonly Grown Erigeron Species Photographs and Plant Identification
Erigeron canadensis
Erigeron canadensis syn. Conyza canadensis.
Erigeron canadensis (Horseweed / Canadian Fleabane / Coltstail / Butterweed), photograph by Val Def; CC.
Erigeron annuus
Erigeron annuus syn. Aster annuus.
Erigeron annuus (Annual Fleabane / Daisy fleabane / Eastern Daisy Fleabane), photograph by Andreas Rockstein; CC.
Erigeron karvinskianus
Erigeron karvinskianus (Mexican Fleabane / Santa Barbara Daisy / Karwinsky's Fleabane), picture by Forest and Kim Starr; CC.
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Erigeron Growing Growing and Care Guide
Common Names: Fleabane, Spanish Daisy, Robin's plantain.Life Cycle: Hardy perennial. Half hardy perennial. Biennial. Annual.
Height: 4 to 36 inches (10 to 90 cm).
Native: Northern America.
Family: Asteraceae.
Growing Region: Zones 2 to 9.
Flowers: Summer and/or early autumn.
Flower Details: White, purple, pink, lavender, yellow, orange. Daisy-like ray and disc florets. Narrow petals.
Foliage: Herbaceous. Narrow. Thread-like. Oblanceolate. Oval. Hairy. Green.
Sow Outside: Surface. Start of spring or autumn. Spacing 9 to 18 inches (23 to 45 cm).
Sow Inside: Germination time: two weeks to two months. Temperature: 55 °F (13°C). Nine or ten weeks in advance. Transplant outdoors before the last frost or in the first month of autumn.
Requirements and care: Full sunlight or slight shade. Good drainage. Ordinary soil. Occasional light feed. Deadhead. Stems should be cut back to the ground in autumn. Divide every three years to maintain vigour. Propagate: by dividing in the spring in cooler areas or the beginning of autumn elsewhere.
Miscellaneous: May be weedy and invasive. Many species of moths and butterflies feed exclusively on Erigeron.
How to Grow Fleabane and other Erigeron Plants in the Garden
It is best to sow Fleabane seeds on the surface in either early spring or early autumn. Erigeron like to grow in a sunny or partially shaded area of the garden that has good drainage.
If you prefer you can start growing Fleabane indoors then they should be prepared about 8 weeks before they are due to be put out at the beginning of spring before the last frost, or at the beginning of autumn.
Caring for Erigeron plant species in the garden
Erigeron plant species such as Fleabane are quite easy to maintain; they should be deadheaded once flowering has occurred and cut back to ground level in the autumn.
They will require a light feed, and should be divided every three years to maintain vigorous growth. If you require more plants then they can be divided in the spring or autumn.
Common Questions
How many members does the Erigeron genus have?
The Erigeron plant genus consists of between 150 and 390 species (depending on botanical classification).
Do members of Erigeron make a good garden or landscaping plant?
Yes, some Erigeron species, such as Fleabane Daisy, are very attractive in the garden and can also attract pollinators.
Which Erigeron species are most frequently grown by gardeners?
Erigeron karvinskianus (Santa Barbara Daisy) and Erigeron glaucus (Seaside Daisy) are often grown by gardeners.
Are members of the Erigeron plant genus fragrant?
No, Erigeron flowers are not typically fragrant.
What is the perfect location to grow Erigeron?
Erigeron prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.
Is Erigeron invasive in the USA, if so in which states?
Some species of Erigeron, such as Erigeron annuus, can be invasive, particularly in the Midwest and East Coast states.
How do I remove Erigeron plants from my garden?
Remove Erigeron by uprooting the plant, ensuring all roots are removed to prevent regrowth.
Summary
The Erigeron plant genus consists species of flowering plants native to temperate regions worldwide. These hardy perennials or annuals are grown for their daisy-like flowers that appear from late spring to early fall, often in shades of pink, blue, or white.
Erigeron plants prefer full sun and well-drained soil. They can be grown from seeds or division. Perfect for rock gardens, borders, and containers, they're also beloved by pollinators. Many species are drought-tolerant and thrive in seaside gardens or other challenging conditions.
I hope that you enjoyed this guide on how to grow Erigeron plants. You may also enjoy my other Aster family gardening guides, on how to grow Palm Springs Daisy, Xeranthemum, and Dahlia plants.
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