Seaside fleabane
Erigeron glaucus · Asteraceae
📷 JJ Harrison (https://www.jjharrison.com.au/) · CC BY-SA 3.0
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant seaside fleabane: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Family
- Asteraceae
- Foliage type
- Evergreen
- Flowering
- May to August
- Adult height
- Approximately 30 cm
- Ideal exposure
- Full sun
- Water requirement
- Low
- Hardiness
- Hardy
- Origin
- California coast
✓ Taxonomy verifiedSource: AI estimate · hardiness: reliability medium.
Expert tips
The key tip
Erigeron glaucus needs very well-draining, almost poor soil in direct full sun. Plant it in a rock garden or on a slope, avoid the foot of a north-facing wall.
The common mistake
Overwatering or placing it in partial shade causes it to rot at the collar or become spindly and weak, losing its natural compact form.
The pro's trick
Divide clumps every three years in spring (April-May) to rejuvenate flowering and density; plants over 5 years old flower less generously.
Care
Exposure
Plant the glaucous fleabane in full sun for generous and prolonged flowering. It tolerates hot and bright exposures very well. In partial shade, flowering will be less abundant and the plant will be less compact.
Watering
This very hardy plant tolerates drought once established. Water regularly in the first year to promote rooting, then reduce watering. In well-drained soil, occasional watering during summer is sufficient.
Soil
Prefer light, well-drained soil, even chalky or gravelly. It adapts to poor soils and even sandy substrates. Avoid heavy, waterlogged soils that cause rot.
Pruning
Prune lightly after flowering to maintain a compact shape and encourage branching. Remove faded flowers to extend flowering. Autumn cleaning of dry stems is usually sufficient.
Fertilizing
No fertilizer is necessary in balanced soil. On very poor soil, a light application of compost in spring will suffice. Excess fertilizer promotes foliage at the expense of flowering.
Diseases and pests
Very robust, glaucous fleabane resists common diseases well. Powdery mildew may appear in overly warm and humid conditions. Ensure good air circulation and avoid foliar watering.
Did you know?
The glaucous fleabane is native to the coastal cliffs of California, where it naturally grows in arid environments exposed to salt spray. This coastal origin explains its remarkable tolerance to drought and its low, spreading habit, perfectly adapted to windy conditions. Its name glaucus refers to the characteristic blue-gray tint of its leaves.
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.
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Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.