Swamp beggar-ticks
Bidens cernua · Asteraceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant swamp beggar-ticks: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Flowering
- August to October
- Adult size
- 30 to 60 cm in height
- Growth
- Fast
- Hardiness
- Tender (frost-sensitive)
- Origin
- Temperate and tropical zones of North and South America
- Soil type
- Moist to wet soils, tolerant
Care
Watering
Beggar-ticks loves moist environments and requires regular watering, especially during dry periods. Keep the soil constantly moist but without prolonged waterlogging. This plant thrives particularly well at the edge of ponds or in temporarily flooded areas.
Light Exposure
Prefer full sun or partial shade for optimal flowering. In hot areas, afternoon shade can limit water stress. Choose a bright location to promote vigor.
Soil
Beggar-ticks adapts to many soil types, provided they remain moist. Soils rich in organic matter, loamy-clay or peat-based are ideal. Improve drainage if the soil is too compact.
Fertilizing
Balanced fertilizer application in spring is usually sufficient. In poor or very sandy soils, a second application in summer can be beneficial. Avoid excess nitrogen which would promote foliage at the expense of flowering.
Pruning
Pinch back the tips early in growth to encourage a compact, branched habit. Remove spent flowers regularly to extend flowering. In late autumn, cut the plant down to ground level before frost.
Diseases and Pests
Beggar-ticks is generally hardy. Watch for powdery mildew in cases of stagnant humidity or overly dry air. Ensure good air circulation and avoid foliar watering. Pests are rare but aphids may occasionally appear early in the season.
Did you know?
Beggar-ticks owes its common name to its trailing habit and drooping head when fruiting. Its tiny fruits are equipped with two bristles resembling pincers, which inspired the Latin name 'Bidens'. These fruits disperse easily by catching onto clothing or animal fur, allowing the plant to colonize new moist environments with efficiency.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- SunflowerHelianthus annuus
- YarrowAchillea millefolium
- Ox-eye daisyLeucanthemum vulgare
- SneezewortAchillea ptarmica
- Canadian goldenrodSolidago canadensis
- WormwoodArtemisia absinthium
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.