Seaside Daisy
erigeron glaucus
Also known as: ["Seaside Fleabane","Beach Aster"]
Overview
A perennial wildflower native to coastal regions of the Pacific Northwest, known for its daisy-like flowers and silvery-green foliage.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","deer resistant","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant","fragrant flowers"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Asterales |
| Family: | Asteraceae |
| Genus: | Erigeron |
| Botanical Name: | Erigeron glaucus |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: rock gardens, coastal areas, or containers in full sun
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"7–10"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, sandy loam with some organic matter. Avoid heavy clay soils.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Deadhead spent flowers regularly during blooming season. Prune lightly in early spring to remove old growth.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate. Avoid heavy pruning unless necessary to control size.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours/day) with some afternoon shade in hot climates. Tolerates partial shade but may produce fewer flowers.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to full sun if moved from shade. Protect from intense midday sun in hot regions. Indoors, place near a south-facing window with indirect light.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easymoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Morning sun is ideal; avoid harsh afternoon sun in summer; rotate pots for even growth.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water thoroughly but infrequently; ensure soil dries slightly between waterings; avoid overwatering, especially in winter.
Soil
well-draining, sandy or loamy soil with some organic matter
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure excellent drainage; avoid waterlogged soil; enrich with organic matter if needed.
Temperature
Prefers cool to moderate temperatures (50–75°F or 10–24°C). Tolerates mild frosts but may struggle in extreme heat.
Protect from frost; avoid placing in drafty areas; maintain moderate humidity in hot weather.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Fertilize lightly; avoid high-nitrogen formulas; stop feeding in winter.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or division. Stem cuttings are the most common method for home growers.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 3–4 inch cuttings.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Keep moist and humid.
Best Time: Early spring or late summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm (65–75°F or 18–24°C), humid, and bright but indirect light. Protect from direct sun.
Medium
Well-draining mix of perlite and peat moss or cactus mix.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is recommended to improve success rates.
Timeline
Roots typically form in 3–6 weeks; plants may take 2–3 months to establish.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, well-draining medium, plastic wrap or propagator.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain humidity; avoid overwatering.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Pinch back tips to encourage branching; cut spent flowers just above a leaf node.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushier growth, and remove spent flowers to prolong blooming.
Tools
Clean, sharp pruning shears or scissors.
Checklist
Use clean tools; prune dead or damaged stems; deadhead regularly; shape as needed.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 1–2 inches in diameter.
Method
Gently remove the plant; trim any dead roots; place in a slightly larger pot with fresh, well-draining soil; water lightly.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when the plant becomes root-bound. Erigeron glaucus prefers slightly crowded roots but benefits from fresh soil.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot size; use fresh soil mix; handle roots carefully; water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone. Water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and fungal issues. Allow excess water to drain freely.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once a week during active growth, reducing frequency in winter to every 2–3 weeks. Adjust based on rainfall and soil moisture retention.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or coarse sand to improve drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure good aeration.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, leaf scorch, reduced flowering in excessive heat; stunted growth or browning in cold stress.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures slow growth and may cause root damage if soil freezes. Frost can damage foliage.
Solution: Mulch heavily in winter; protect from frost with row covers; ensure good drainage to prevent root rot.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can lead to wilting, leaf drop, and reduced flowering. Plants may become stressed and vulnerable to pests.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase watering frequency; use mulch to retain soil moisture; improve air circulation.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer; apply during growing season; avoid over-fertilization.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer. Avoid fertilizing in fall and winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicErigeron glaucus is not toxic to cats. The plant does not produce any known toxins that would harm cats if ingested or handled.
⚡ Toxic If:
Not applicable
Dogs
Non-toxicErigeron glaucus is not toxic to dogs. There are no known toxic compounds or effects associated with this plant when ingested or handled by dogs.
⚡ Toxic If:
Not applicable
Humans
Non-toxicErigeron glaucus, commonly known as seaside fleabane, is not considered toxic to humans. It has no known adverse effects on human health.
⚡ Toxic If:
Not applicable
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How often should Erigeron glaucus be watered?
A: Water moderately, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. It is drought-tolerant once established.
Q: Does Erigeron glaucus attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds due to its nectar-rich flowers.
Q: Can Erigeron glaucus be grown in containers?
A: Yes, it thrives in containers as long as it has well-draining soil and receives full sun.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Asteraceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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