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How to Grow Wedelia trilobata Plants in your Garden

Gardener's HQ Guide to Growing Singapore Daisy

Wedelia trilobata syn. Sphagneticola trilobata, better known as Wedelia, is a herbaceous perennial with glossy, dark green leaves, and small bright yellow flowers.

This plant is also known as the Singapore daisy and creeping-oxeye, and is a member of the daisy, Sunflower, and Aster (Compositae) family.

Singapore daisy
Sphagneticola trilobata (Wedelia)flowering habit at Ohialani Haiku, Maui, Hawaii. photograph by Forest and Kim Starr.

Because some regions list it as an invasive species, always check the local guidelines before planting it. It is a major weed in some areas.

It is native to Central and South America where it has a hardy character. It grows well in USDA zones 8b to 11 and can withstand winter temperatures to about 15°F (–10°C).

Plants are mat forming to about two feet (60 cm), with stems reaching about six or seven feet in height (2 m). These typically carry a small dozen ray-like flowers of about 1/10th of an inch (3 mm). The leaves are green (darker above than below), serated, fleshy, and hairy.

Wedelia trilobata (Sphagneticola trilobata) leaves
Wedelia trilobata, aka Sphagneticola trilobata leaves, photograph by Forest and Kim Starr; CC.

Wedelia trilobata grows well in a variety of areas and is a favourite option for many landscaping projects, especially in warmer areas.

Wedelia plants
Wedelia plants photograph by Forest and Kim Starr; CC.

Gardener's HQ Guide to Growing Singapore Daisy

It can cover rough, rocky ground, wet drainage spots, or even desert areas without problems.

It is a popular plant due to its small and daisy-like flowers that bloom during the warm season.

Wedelia propagates easily through setting un-rooted tip cuttings in the intended spot. It grows best in all conditions, whether they get full shade or full sun.

However, it produces the best flowers when given full sun.

Managing Singapore daisy is all about controlling its spread. This plant can grow almost too well in most instances, so that the main care involves cutting back its fast growth.

Its best use is to cover barren land to prevent the erosion of soil.

In a garden or backyard, Wedelia trilobata needs monitoring so that it does not take over outside of its area.

Do not overwater or provide too much fertilizer, or Singapore daisy may overwhelm other areas of your garden.

Uncontrolled spreading can occur even when planting in containers because of its vine-like in its growth.

Singapore Daisy flower
Close up of a Singapore Daisy flower, photograph by Lalithamba; CC.

Wedelia trilobata Growing and Care Guide

  • Scientific Name: Wedelia trilobata, Syn. Sphagneticola trilobata
  • Common Name: Singapore daisy, Creeping oxeye, Trailing daisy, and Wedelia.
  • Growing Zone: USA: 9 to 11
  • Life Cycle / Plant Type: Groundcover, Indoor Plant

Plant Details

  • Plant Height (Inches): 6 to 9 inches (15 to 23 cm).
  • Plant Spread (Inches): 4 to 6 feet (1 to 2 metres).
  • Time of Bloom: Late spring through mid-autumn.
  • Flower Details: Yellow, daisy-like.
  • Leaf Foliage: Green, hairy.
  • Growth Form: Spreading or horizontal, Upright / erect, Variable spread

Ideal Growing Conditions

  • Best Light Conditions: Partially shady to full sunlight
  • Rate of Growth: Quick
  • Suitable Soil Types: Acidic, Adaptable, Alkaline, Clay, Loamy, Neutral, Sandy, Slightly alkaline, Well drained
  • Soil Moisture: Moist/Wet

Caring Conditions

  • Care:
  • Level of Maintenance:
  • Propagation:
  • How to Prune:
  • Pests:
  • Diseases:

Further Information

  • Best Garden Use: Ground covewr in warm areas, Cascades, Container Garden.
  • Family: Asteraceae (Compositae)
  • Closely Related Species: Achillea, Aster, Callistephus, Cosmea, Helianthus, Leontopodium, Liatris, Sanvitalia, Stokesia, Townsendia, and Zinnia.

  • Miscellaneous: North American native, Invasive, Naturalizing, Extended bloom season in Zones 9A and above, Attractive flowers / blooms
  • Genus Detail: Wedelia
  • Further Reading and References: Here and Here

I hope that you enjoyed this guide on how to grow Wedelia trilobata. You may also enjoy the following growing guides: How to grow Argyranthemum and Pot Marigold.