Golden crownbeard
Verbesina encelioides · Asteraceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant golden crownbeard: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Common name
- Crownbeard, Mexican sunflower
- Family
- Asteraceae
- Plant type
- Annual or biennial herb
- Adult height
- 60 to 150 cm
- Flowering
- July to October
- Flowers
- Yellow, radiate capitules
- Foliage
- Deciduous, lanceolate and toothed
- Hardiness
- Tender, annual in temperate climates
- Origin
- Central America and Mexico
Care
Light exposure
Plant your crownbeard in full sun for generous, continuous flowering. It tolerates partial shade but flowers less abundantly. Avoid overly shaded locations as they weaken the plant.
Watering
Water regularly during the growing season, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged. During prolonged dry spells, increase watering frequency. Reduce watering in winter or during cool periods.
Soil and drainage
Prefer well-draining, fertile soil that is slightly acidic to neutral. Overly compacted or waterlogged soil promotes root rot. Incorporate compost at planting time to enrich the substrate.
Fertilizing
Apply balanced fertilizer every two to three weeks during flowering. Excess nitrogen promotes foliage at the expense of flowers. Moderate feeding is generally sufficient for a vigorous annual plant.
Pruning and pinching
Pinch young stems to encourage a bushy habit and better branching. Regularly deadhead spent flowers to extend the flowering period. Remove dead or diseased stems.
Pests and diseases
Watch out for aphids and whiteflies, especially in warm climates. Powdery mildew can appear in humid, poorly ventilated conditions. Promote air circulation and intervene quickly if problems are detected.
Did you know?
Crownbeard is native to Mexico and readily naturalizes in Mediterranean or subtropical climates, often escaping gardens to colonize wastelands. Its winged, lightweight seeds are dispersed by wind, making it a pioneer species in disturbed areas. Its Latin name, Verbesina, derives from an old vernacular name for a similar plant, while encelioides means 'resembling a sunflower'.
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.