Annual fleabane
Erigeron annuus · Asteraceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant annual fleabane: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Flowering
- June to September
- Mature size
- 30 to 100 cm in height
- Growth
- Fast
- Hardiness
- Very hardy (down to -15°C)
- Origin
- North America
- Soil type
- Well-drained, undemanding
Care
Watering
Annual fleabane tolerates drought well once established. Water regularly for the first few months after planting to promote root development. During active growth, moderate watering is sufficient; let the soil dry out slightly between waterings. Reduce watering drastically in winter.
Sunlight
This plant thrives in full sun for abundant blooming. It tolerates partial shade, but flower production will be less profuse. Avoid overly shaded areas to maintain a compact shape.
Pruning and cutting
Pinch back young stems to encourage denser branching and a fuller plant. Remove spent flowers regularly to extend blooming and prevent excessive self-seeding. In late summer, you can lightly prune to reshape the plant before winter.
Soil
Annual fleabane adapts to nearly all soils as long as they're well-drained. It tolerates poor and even rocky terrain. Avoid compact or waterlogged soils that promote root rot. An application of organic matter at planting time is usually sufficient.
Fertilizer
This undemanding plant needs only moderate feeding. A balanced or slightly phosphorus-rich fertilizer, applied every 4 to 6 weeks during the growing season, is enough. Avoid excess nitrogen, which would promote foliage at the expense of flowering.
Diseases and pests
Annual fleabane is generally robust and rarely prone to disease. Watch for aphids and spider mites during dry periods. Powdery mildew can appear in excessively humid conditions or poor air circulation; improve ventilation and reduce leaf moisture if needed.
Did you know?
Annual fleabane has naturalized in many European regions over the past two centuries, having arrived accidentally in seed shipments from North America. Today it's so well integrated into European landscapes that its distant origins are often forgotten. Its English name "fleabane" reflects an old tradition attributing repellent properties against parasites to this plant.
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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- Canadian goldenrodSolidago canadensis
- WormwoodArtemisia absinthium
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.