Cotula coronopifolia
Cotula coronopifolia · Asteraceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant cotula coronopifolia: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Family
- Asteraceae (Daisy family)
- Type
- Annual or short-lived perennial herb
- Mature height
- 15 to 40 cm tall
- Flowering
- Spring and summer (April to September)
- Foliage
- Persistent, finely cut
- Hardiness
- Low frost tolerance, freezes below 0 °C
- Origin
- Southern Africa and New Zealand
- Growth
- Rapid
Care
Exposure
Place your Cotula pedis-canis in full sun or partial shade for beautiful flowering. It tolerates direct sunlight well and actually produces more flowers in these conditions. Choose an airy location, especially in humid regions.
Watering
Water regularly, especially during the growing period and flowering, keeping the soil moist without excess. In a pot, check that water drains well to prevent root rot. In winter, reduce watering considerably if the plant persists.
Soil
Cotula prefers light, well-drained and moderately fertile soil. It adapts to poor soils and even tolerates some salinity. Improve drainage with sand or pumice if your soil is too clayey or compacted.
Fertilizer
Diluted fertilizer every 15 days during flowering is more than sufficient. Avoid excess nitrogen, which would promote foliage at the expense of flowers. Balanced fertilizer or fertilizer slightly rich in phosphorus is ideal.
Pruning and maintenance
Pinch young stems regularly in spring to encourage branching and a bushy shape. Remove spent flowers to extend flowering. At the end of the season, you can cut back the plant lightly or let it freeze if you're growing it as an annual.
Health and problems
Cotula is generally robust, but watch for excessive moisture which promotes rot and fungal diseases. Whiteflies and aphids may settle in during warm weather. Ensure good air circulation, avoid overhead watering and treat quickly if necessary with gentle methods.
Did you know?
Native to the coastal zones of South Africa and New Zealand, Cotula pedis-canis owes its curious common name to its very finely cut leaves that resemble crow's feet. In ornamental horticulture, it is prized for its tiny bright yellow flower buds, grouped into small spherical heads characteristic of Asteraceae, and it has naturalized in many temperate coastal regions where it thrives effortlessly.
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
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- 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.