Common St. Paul's wort
Sigesbeckia orientalis · Asteraceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant common st. paul's wort: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Common name
- Oriental sticky flower, Sticky herb
- Family
- Asteraceae
- Type
- Annual to biennial herbaceous plant
- Adult size
- 60 to 100 cm tall
- Flowering
- July to September, yellow flowers
- Foliage
- Deciduous, medium green, hairy
- Origin
- Southeast Asia and tropical regions
- Hardiness
- Low hardiness, frost-sensitive (prefers mild climate)
Care
Sunlight and exposure
Sigesbeckia orientalis appreciates a sunny to partially shaded location, ideally with 4 to 6 hours of direct light. It tolerates partial shade but will flower more abundantly in full sun. Avoid overly shaded areas which slow its growth.
Watering
Keep the soil regularly moist, especially during the active growing period and flowering. Water at the base of the plant, avoiding the foliage. Gradually reduce watering as autumn approaches. Check that water does not accumulate at the base.
Soil and potting mix
Prefer well-draining soil rich in organic matter, with a light to medium texture. A potting mix for herbaceous plants enriched with compost works perfectly. Neutral to slightly acidic pH is ideal for good growth.
Nutrition and fertilizer
Apply balanced fertilizer every 3 to 4 weeks during the growing period. A light application of potassium-rich fertilizer as flowering approaches will encourage better flower production. Reduce applications in autumn.
Pruning and pinching
Regularly pinch young stems to encourage a more branched and dense habit. Remove spent flowers to extend flowering. Light pruning during the season rejuvenates the shape and stimulates better branching.
Pests and diseases
Watch regularly for aphids and whiteflies, particularly in warm conditions. Excessive foliage moisture can promote powdery mildew or grey mold; ensure good air circulation and avoid watering the foliage. Quickly isolate any infested plant.
Did you know?
Sigesbeckia orientalis owes its nickname 'sticky' to its stems and bracts covered in viscous glands. This natural stickiness, which traps small insects, long intrigued botanists and was used in traditional Asian medicine. Its genus name honours the 18th-century botanist Johann August Siegesbeck.
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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- SneezewortAchillea ptarmica
- Canadian goldenrodSolidago canadensis
- WormwoodArtemisia absinthium
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.