Bay Biscayne creeping-oxeye
Sphagneticola trilobata · Asteraceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant bay biscayne creeping-oxeye: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Common name
- Creeping Oxeye, Trailing Daisy
- Foliage
- Evergreen in mild climates, deciduous or semi-deciduous in cool climates
- Flowering
- Spring to autumn (long blooming period)
- Adult size
- 30 to 60 cm tall × 40 to 80 cm spread
- Growth
- Fast to moderate
- Hardiness
- Frost-tender (−2 °C max), tropical to subtropical plant
- Origin
- Central and South America
- Soil type
- Well-drained, light, fertile soil
Care
Watering
Keep the soil moist but never waterlogged, especially during active growth. Reduce watering in winter or during dormancy. Water at the base to prevent foliage diseases. Allow slight drying between waterings, as the plant dislikes prolonged waterlogging.
Light Exposure
Prefer a sunny location (6 to 8 hours of direct light) for generous flowering and compact growth. Tolerate partial shade, but flowering will be less abundant. Protect from excessively hot exposures in arid or continental climates.
Soil and Substrate
Require very well-drained soil or substrate, rich in organic matter. Add sand or perlite to the soil to improve drainage. A neutral to slightly acidic pH is ideal for good nutrient uptake.
Feeding
Fertilize every 15 to 20 days during flowering with a balanced fertilizer or one rich in potassium. Reduce feeding in autumn-winter. Excess nitrogen promotes foliage at the expense of flowering.
Pruning and Pinching
Pinch young stems to encourage branching and achieve denser growth. Cut back after flowering to reduce the plant and stimulate new shoots. Remove spent flowers regularly to extend the blooming period.
Pests and Diseases
Watch for powdery mildew and downy mildew in stagnant humid conditions. Spider mites and aphids can infest during hot, dry weather. Ensure good air circulation and avoid excess leaf moisture to prevent problems.
Did you know?
Sphagneticola trilobata is highly valued in tropical horticulture as groundcover or ornamental plant for its spreading habit and nearly perpetual flowering. Its scientific name 'trilobata' refers to its characteristic leaves divided into three lobes, a rare trait within the Asteraceae family that makes it instantly recognizable in the garden.
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
- SunflowerHelianthus annuus
- YarrowAchillea millefolium
- Ox-eye daisyLeucanthemum vulgare
- SneezewortAchillea ptarmica
- Canadian goldenrodSolidago canadensis
- WormwoodArtemisia absinthium
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.