Prairie fleabane
Erigeron strigosus · Asteraceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant prairie fleabane: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Family
- Asteraceae
- Form
- Annual or biennial herbaceous plant
- Adult size
- 30 to 60 cm in height
- Flowering
- June to September
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Hardiness
- Very hardy (down to -20 °C)
- Exposure
- Full sun
- Origin
- North America
Care
Exposure
Rough fleabane thrives in full sun, where it produces abundant flowering. It will tolerate light partial shade, but its vigor and flowering will be reduced. Choose an open exposure for a beautiful shape.
Soil
This plant is undemanding and adapts to almost all soil types, even poor or chalky ones. It prefers good drainage and cannot tolerate permanently waterlogged soil. Dry to normal soil suits it perfectly.
Watering
Watering is moderate once the plant is established. Water regularly during the first few weeks after planting, then gradually reduce. During pronounced dry periods, occasional watering is sufficient.
Fertilizing
No fertilizer is necessary, as rough fleabane is happy in poor soil. Excess nutrients promote vegetative growth at the expense of flowering. Natural soil is perfectly adequate.
Pruning and maintenance
Remove spent flowers regularly to extend flowering. Light cutting back at the end of winter can encourage denser branching. As an annual or biennial plant, it naturally disappears at the end of its cycle.
Health and prevention
Rough fleabane is generally robust and rarely prone to disease. Powdery mildew may occasionally appear in case of excessive humidity. Good aeration and watering at the base reduce the risks.
Did you know?
Rough fleabane (Erigeron strigosus) originates from North America and has naturalized in Europe, becoming a common companion of wild gardens and wasteland. Its English name, "daisy fleabane," reveals an old belief that it would repel fleas, hence its traditional use in rural dwellings.
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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Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.