Philadelphia fleabane
Erigeron philadelphicus · Asteraceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant philadelphia fleabane: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Family
- Asteraceae
- Plant type
- Annual or biennial herbaceous plant
- Mature height
- 30 to 90 cm
- Flowering
- May to September
- Flower color
- Pale pink to mauve with yellow center
- Hardiness
- Hardy down to -15°C
- Origin
- North America
- Growth
- Fast
Care
Light exposure
Place your fleabane in full sun to partial shade for optimal flowering. It tolerates partially shaded locations too, but will flower less abundantly. Avoid areas that are too dark as they slow down its growth.
Watering
Keep the soil regularly moist during growth, especially in warm periods. Reduce watering in winter. Fleabane dislikes prolonged drought but also fears excess water which can rot the roots.
Soil and substrate
Choose well-drained, light and well-loosened soil. Fleabane adapts to poor or stony soils. Improve water retention by adding well-decomposed compost if the soil is very sandy.
Fertilizer and nutrition
A balanced fertilizer application in spring is generally sufficient. This plant is not very demanding in nutrients. Avoid excess nitrogen which promotes foliage at the expense of flowering.
Pruning and cutting
Pinch young plants to encourage a more compact habit and better branching. Remove faded flowers regularly to prolong flowering. At the end of autumn, cut the plant to ground level if it has completed its cycle.
Pests and diseases
Fleabane is generally not very susceptible to diseases. Watch for powdery mildew in humid and stagnant conditions. Aphids may occasionally infest young shoots; treat with a soapy water spray if necessary.
Did you know?
Philadelphia fleabane is a pioneer plant highly valued for ecological restoration of degraded land: it rapidly colonizes poor soils and prepares the ground for other species. In the 18th century, it conquered Europe from North America and naturalized itself on several continents, becoming almost ubiquitous in temperate zones.
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.