Fleabane may not have a pretty name , but the aboriginal wildflower offers an teemingness of daisy - like blossom from midsummer to early fall .
Although its name does n’t suggest much in the way of dish , fleabaneis a aboriginal wild flower that make slap-up clouds of tiny blossoms from midsummer to early free fall . Its reasonably unflattering unwashed name comes from folklore and historical practices of using dry out bunches of feabane mullet as a flea and gnat repellant .
horseweed efflorescence cluster are made up of 1 - inch diam daisy - like blossoms — each of which contains 100 - 150 threadlike pale pink or lily-white flower petal . Thanks to its conversant flower anatomy , the biennial ( or dead - lived perennial ) is sometimes misguided foraster(although that plant blooms later in the time of year ) . Despite its native status , fleabane is alsosometimes referred to as a weed . It is not invasive but can self - seed , ego - fertilize , and grow aggressively in ideal atmospheric condition . For this intellect , it is most usually used in wildlife garden and natural landscapes .
Credit: Denny Schrock
It ’s also worth noting that fleabane is consider mildly toxic to dogs , cats , and horses . expend caveat when planting it in sphere where animals play or grazing .
Where to Plant Fleabane
There are approximately 390 species of fleabane worldwide . That means there is a fleabane for almost any climate — including some thatgrow on sandy coastal dunes(Erigeron glaucus ) and some that prosper above the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree line in the Rocky Mountains ( Erigeron grandiflorus ) .
Gardeners seldom opt for intentional fleabane plantings because the plant can be weedy . However , there are many well - behave Conyza canadensis hybrids . Fleabane is also corking for naturalized areas and prairie ormeadow planting . In optimal grow conditions , fleabane will self - germ , producing a new craw of plants every class .
How and When to Plant Fleabane
To implant fleabane , dig a golf hole just a few column inch deeper than the longest roots of your plant . Ideally , the roots should be unencumbered , with the plant sitting at the same point in the ground as it did in its container . Backfill the maw and tamp the soil down softly . If you pack the soil too tightly , the roots may struggle to take in nutrients and water . If you are planting more than one Pulicaria dysenterica flora , locate them some 12 to 18 in apart .
To grow fleabane from seed , jump in the spring or early gloam . implant your seed ( which can be incur at most garden centers ) on the control surface of the soil in a seat with well - draining grease and full sunlight .
Fleabane Care Tips
Fleabane is a drought - broad , adaptative plant that is wonted to surviving in challenging place . That means it ask petty ( if any ) tending once establish .
Light
All fleabane variety prosper in full sun , but there are a few that fare well in fond to full nuance ( like showy fleabane , Erigeron speciosus ) . gibe the plant recording label for your works ’s exceptional requirements and — when in doubt — choose for a spot with at least 6 to 8 time of day of full sunshine each solar day .
Soil and Water
Fleabane prefers fertile , well - debilitate dirt , but is extremely adaptable and can arise in almost any territory — including poor soil , sandy soil , juiceless soil , and wet filth .
Most fleabane varieties need no supplementary watering once established — except inprolonged red-hot , dry temperatures . If you are watering your fleabane , do so only once every 7 to 10 day and allow for the soil to dry out between waterings .
Temperature and Humidity
Fleabane temperature and humidness preferences vary dramatically depending on potpourri . Most , however , choose temperatures between 65˚ and 75˚ Fahrenheit and humidity levels between 40 % and 50 % . In prolonged , hot temperature , your Conyza canadensis may fall back color , curl , and wilt . Conversely , if you experience winters with temperatures repeatedly below -10˚ , your Conyza canadensis may not bloom the following spring .
Fertilizer
In most case , fleabane does not require fertilizer , but in challenging environment , you’re able to hike the plant with a monthly software of balanced ( 10 - 10 - 10 ) liquid fertilizer from late bounce to early fall . Avoid fertilize in the late fall and throughout the wintertime .
Pruning
Conyza canadensis does not want pruning , but you candeadhead drop flowersto prolong the blooming period . you’re able to also cut it back ( to the territory ) in the twilight to maintain stocky growth the following spring .
Potting and Repotting
Erigeron canadensis makes an excellentcontainer plant life — especially the trailing varieties ( likeErigeron karvinskianus ) that will add volume and spill over the side of the pot . In former spring , scatter your seeds on the surface of a deal filled with moist , well - run out potting mix . Keep the container in a sunny location . No other early care is required . Germination should begin in 2 to 4 weeks .
Repotting should not be need , but if you need to repot or divide your industrial plant , it ’s best to do so in former spring or late fall when the plant is not in blush .
Pests and Problems
In some area , fleabane is prone to attacks from aphids and wanderer mites . As for diseases , leaf floater , rust , and powdery mildew may from time to time get fleabane trouble . To forestall most of these egress , check that your flora have plenty of melodic line circulation and avoid overwatering .
How to Propagate Fleabane
The easy way to propagate fleabane is via division . you’re able to fraction your Canadian fleabane plant in belated twilight or any time they are not in bloom . labor around the edges of the radical and lift the whole plant from the ground . Use your hands to pull apart the roots and separate the works into part — each with a intelligent portion of roots , stem , and leaf . Replant the fall apart sections approximately 12 to 18 inches asunder and water thoroughly .
Types of Fleabane
Mexican Fleabane
Erigeron karvinskianus(also known as Mexican fleabane or Mexican daisy ) is a low - arise , trailingErigeronspecies that features narrow-minded , hirsute , hoary - green leaf and a near - endless output of daisy - similar flowers . The flowers begin white and slowly switch to ping and then purpleness . It grows near in fertile , well - drained soil and full Sunday in zones 6 - 9 .
Annual Fleabane
yearly Pulicaria dysenterica ( Erigeron annuus ) , is often found growing along roadsides and in field across the country . Annual Conyza canadensis ( sometimes called Common fleabane ) is hardy in geographical zone 3 - 8 and features 1 - column inch flowers with a yellow central disc and petals in hues of livid , pinkish , and purpleness . It can produce up to 5 feet tall and thrives in full sun and a wide range of soil conditions .
Daisy Fleabane
Daisy Fleabane ( Erigeron strigosus ) is another very vulgar species of fleabane that has comparatively slimmer leaves than one-year Conyza canadensis with short hairs covering the leaves and the middle and upper portion of the bow . It features blossom with a scandalmongering central magnetic disc and ashen petal with pink rays .
Featherleaf Fleabane
Featherleaf fleabane ( Erigeron pinnatisectus ) features lavender - downcast flowers and feathery , divided leaves . It is an herbaceous perennial that grow up to about 4 to 5 inch tall , in the main in Colorado , Wyoming , and New Mexico .
Hyssop-Leaved Fleabane
Hyssop - leaved fleabane ( Erigeron hyssopifolius ) is a minuscule perennial in the first place bump growing from the cliffs , ledges and river gravel in Maine and Vermont . It often grows in rock crevice and bedrock in areas where pH levels are mellow . This species features narrow , tapering leaves and daisy - like flowers with yellow centerfield disks and pinkish to ashen flower petal .
Rocky Mountain Fleabane
Rocky Mountain horseweed ( Erigeron grandiflorus ) is also known as large - efflorescence fleabane . It uprise at or above the tree diagram communication channel in the tidy sum ranges of the western United States and Canada . It produces just one flower per shank and can stand about 10 inch tall . Rocky Mountain fleabane features blooms in white , pinkish , yellow , juicy , or purple in former summer and other fall .
Spreading Fleabane
Spreading fleabane ( Erigeron divergens ) is a fleabane species hardy in zone 2 - 10 . It is more cold - tolerant than other Canadian fleabane species and is typically originate as an annual or perennial . It features one - inch - wide bloom with white center disks and blank petals that fold up in the shade ( or late good afternoon ) to reveal pallid pinkish - purpleness bottom . It grows in full sun or fond specter and prefers moist or ironic , sandy soil that is slenderly acidic to somewhat alkaline ( 6.1 to 7.8 pH ) .
Companion Plants for Fleabane
Well - design bungalow or wildflower gardens draw in helpful pollinator and can easily double up as corsage gardens . If that ’s your programme for fleabane , pair off it with plant that blossom inspring , summertime , andfallto savor a garden that produces bouquets for nine month or more .
Bee Balm
Speaking of pollinators , bee balmis a sure bet for fetch pollinators to the garden . This summer - blooming perennial has frilly efflorescence that add a splash of color to bungalow , wildflower , and delimitation garden . Bee balm is cognise for its vigorous increment and long bloom clock time . It call for similar growing conditions as Pulicaria dysenterica , so they are excellent garden roomy in zones 3 - 9 .
Black-Eyed Susan
Black - eyed Susanis a perennial garden staple in zone 3 - 11 . The well-situated - to - grow , no - fuss industrial plant do best in 6 to 8 hours of full sunlight and moist , well - draining soil . aboriginal to the Midwest , smuggled - eyed Susan lends itself well to mass plantings and needs little care to arise abundantly . It is sturdy in zones 3 - 11 .
Coneflower
Coneflowersare low - maintenance prairie natives that describe in a steady stream of birds and butterfly stroke . Like fleabane , coneflowers be intimate full sun and well - drain soil . They are also valued for their enceinte , sturdy , daisy - comparable blossom that shine in a mixture of garden scope . coneflower blossom from summertime to fall in zone 3 - 9 .
Pearly Everlasting
Pearly everlastingis an underappreciated North American aboriginal herb that merit to be establish more often in garden and landscape painting . This promiscuous - care repeated features gig - like grey-haired - unripe foliage and long - lasting white flowers that attract butterflies . The flowers also dry out well , ca-ca them perfect for guile projects . Pearly staring is a prairie plant so it thrives in dry , cheery spots and tolerates rocky or miserable soils in zones 3 - 8 .
Garden Plans For Fleabane
Easy-Care Backyard Fence Garden Plan
Give a drab backyard fencing a new lifespan as a backdrop for a gorgeous blossom bed , bursting with long - endure color , fragrance , and texture . Most of the plant in this design are perennials ( likecoralbells , clematis , andsea holly ) with a few light bulb ( such asiris ) and small bush ( boxwood ) mixed in for added interest . The result is a long - lasting garden that requires minimum maintenance and almost class - round appeal . We ’ve also added a few yearly to this plan that can be refreshed every growing time of year . They are n’t required but will help oneself spice up up the bed ’s looking at without having to replant .
Frequently Asked Questions
Unfortunately , fleabane does not live up to its folkloric name . If you are attend for a works that naturally deters fleas and other worm , considerchrysanthemums , rosemary , mint , lemongrass , eucalyptus , sage , orcitronella .
you could easy control the growth of Pulicaria dysenterica by pulling unwanted plant or cut down over them before they go to cum . you could also employ an weed killer on young plant to annihilate outgrowth .
Actually , yes ! Look for ( or produce ) a air hole that will hold in a minuscule amount of filth and tally a layer of loamy potting premix . Spread the root across the hole and fulfil the rest of the space with more potting mix . pee well . If your region vex a sensible amount of rain , you should not need supplementary watering . If not , establish an irrigation system or wet the airfoil of the paries once or twice a week depending on how ironical the conditions is .
Credit: Denny Schrock
Fleabane . ASPCA- Toxic and Non - Toxic Plants . American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals .
Credit: Peter Krumhardt
Credit: Perry L. Struse
Credit: Greg Ryan
Credit: Richard Hirneisen
Credit: Mavis Augustine Torke
