Daisy Fleabane (Erigeron annuus): Plant Care and Growing Guide – House Plants Expert

The daisy fleabane, officially known as the Erigeron Speciosus is a very low-maintenance flower that can look gorgeous, especially on mass. They are perennial wildflowers, some of which come in hybrid varieties, so depending on what aesthetic you’re looking for, there’s plenty out there ranging in size and color.

These flowers are relatively small in comparison with other common garden plants. On average, they typically range from around 25.5cm to 50cm in height. They are fairly relaxed flowers, usually enjoying the warmth of spring. Still, the hot direct heat of summer can be too oppressive to some variants, depending on where you live and its average summer temperatures.

Because daisy fleabanes are typically found naturally and often don’t have to be planted in many places, information on daisy fleabane care is scarce. These flowers like to be left alone but will be thankful for deadheading and help create a continuous bloom throughout the spring/summer. The daisy fleabane is a vigorous plant that can live in extreme areas, tolerating neglect and draught. They are often the first plants to bounce back after destructive events, will sprout up on roads or sidewalks, or can even be found in a barren land.

Planting the Daisy Fleabane

The daisy fleabane is a popular flower used in standard or wildflower gardens. You can pot these plants, but they look better in a flowerbed due to the length of their stems. To plant in a bed, look at the length of the root and dig a hole a few inches deeper. Be sure not to plant the daisies too deep as this can cause rooting roots and potentially kill your plant.

After you’ve planted the daisy fleabane, fill the remaining space in the hole with soil. This should be well-draining soil but should still be able to retain some water.

Growing the Daisy Fleabane

As previously said, this plant can survive even the most extreme circumstances and conditions, so they don’t need much attention. You can happily skip this one out while caring for its surrounding plants.

However, there are some things you can bear in mind to make sure your daisies are growing to their maximum capacity.

Water

Make sure it’s getting enough water. In wetter climates, the rain may do this for you, but if you live in a dry area with high amounts of heat and humidity, you must ensure you’re compensating for the water lost. When watering, you should water enough that the roots at the deepest point receive water. Be sure not to waterlog the soil, but ensure the surface is moist.

The daisy fleabane will not be happy in too much water. Do not try to plant daisy fleabane in your garden if it is near a river, floodplain, or wetland. Although this plant is more tolerant to extreme conditions, including excess or lack of water, than other plants, you are increasing its chances of dying by placing it in such situations.

Light

Full sun conditions are great for the daisy fleabane. Soil with direct sunlight is the best for growth; the more sunlight, the better. However, if your garden is largely shaded, the daisy fleabane will still grow. It may grow slightly slower or doesn’t reach its maximum height.

When creating your garden, especially if parts are shaded, consider which plants will thrive in which conditions. If you can maximize sunlight for this plant, you should. Whereas other common garden plants are more tolerant to shade and don’t like as much direct sunlight.

Soil

This plant can thrive in many conditions, including soil conditions. Many gardening experts emphasize the importance of good draining soils for daisy fleabanes. This is especially useful if you’re new to gardening – it guarantees you won’t waterlog the soil and kill the plants.

Some experts also advocate for the use of alkaline clay soil. These soils will stay wet in the winter months and completely dry out in the summer months.

Temperature

Moderate climates are the best suited for the daisy fleabane. In areas with high heat and direct sun, these daisies can be damaged, but positioning them somewhere where they will be shaded from the hot afternoon sun (but still access the moderate morning sun) would be ideal.

The growth of the daisy fleabane will also be stunted in colder temperatures, but it will still survive. These plants love the sunshine, but you need to find their temperature sweet spot!

Fertilizer

Unlike many other wildflowers, this plant will not need fertilizing; however, using a gentle fertilizer sporadically will help boost growth during the warmer seasons. If you insist on using a fertilizer, you should use a liquid fertilizer. A general ratio of 5-10-5 will do fine and should be used every 2-3 weeks during growing months.

Potential Problems of Daisy Fleabane

Bacterial Leaf Spots

Bacterial leaf spots can make the daisy fleabane brown and potentially mushy. This can be caused by planting them too deep or too close to each other.

Root, Stem, and Crown Rot

Root, stem, and crown rot can also be a problem for gardeners; it originates from a fungus and causes the colors to dull and the plant to wilt. Avoid overwatering if you notice your daisy fleabane suffering from these issues.

Pests and Insects

Aphids and spider mites can cause problems to your daisy fleabane if you’re not careful. These insects are super small but can cause major damage to your plants. Using gentle rubbing alcohol and spraying your plants with cold water can help prevent or eliminate these pests.

Final Thoughts

The daisy fleabane may be your best choice if you’re looking for something low-maintenance and pretty. They will likely thrive in your garden, regardless of the conditions or care it provides, but be sure to maximize growth using the steps laid out in this article.

Elyssa Goins

Elyssa Goins is an experienced house plant hobbyist who maintains over a hundred plants. She is a gardener, beekeeper, and a proud mother of four.  She is a member of the American Horticultural Society, has a published study in the National Social Science Association, and loves to talk about her love of plants.  For the past twenty years, she’s been all about growing and caring for various fruits, veggies, herbs, livestock, kids, and houseplants. Managing a big garden to feed four growing kids and raising dairy goats has taught her so much about being an excellent plant parent and now is her time to share with you.