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.

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, 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 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.

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

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.