Piedmont Fleabane
erigeron glabellus
Also known as: ["Piedmont Daisy","Smooth Fleabane"]
Overview
A herbaceous perennial wildflower native to North America, known for its daisy-like flowers and slender stems.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant","low maintenance"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Asterales |
| Family: | Asteraceae |
| Genus: | Erigeron |
| Botanical Name: | Erigeron glabellus |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: rock gardens, alpine troughs, or open sunny borders
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–30 to 40°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"3–8"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, sandy loam with organic matter; avoid heavy clay soils.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: low
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Deadhead spent flowers regularly during blooming season; shape prune in early spring or after flowering.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; avoid heavy pruning unless necessary to control size or shape.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily); tolerates partial shade in hot climates.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to intense sunlight; protect from harsh afternoon sun in hot regions; ensure adequate air circulation to prevent fungal issues.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easymoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plants for even light exposure; use shade cloth in extreme heat; avoid placing in drafty areas.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water thoroughly but infrequently; ensure good drainage to prevent root rot; adjust based on weather and growth stage.
Soil
well-draining, sandy loam with moderate organic matter
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Use raised beds in heavy soils; amend with organic matter annually; avoid overwatering to maintain soil structure.
Temperature
Prefers cool to moderate temperatures (60–75°F or 15–24°C); hardy to USDA zones 3–8.
Avoid sudden temperature fluctuations; protect from cold drafts; maintain consistent humidity in dry conditions.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during growing season
Fertilize lightly to prevent excessive foliage growth; stop fertilizing when plant is dormant; water before applying fertilizer to prevent root burn.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or division; stem cuttings are more common for home growers.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone (optional).
- Plant in moist medium.
- Keep humid and warm.
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 indirect light; protect from direct sun.
Medium
Well-draining potting mix (e.g., perlite and peat moss blend) or sandy loam.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is optional but recommended for faster rooting.
Timeline
Roots typically form in 3–6 weeks; new growth may appear in 2–3 months.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, misting bottle, plastic wrap.
Quick Tips
Use sharp, clean tools to prevent disease; maintain high humidity with a propagator or plastic cover; avoid overwatering.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Pinch back tips for bushier growth; cut just above a leaf node or bud; remove dead or crossing branches.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushier growth, and remove dead or diseased parts; deadheading spent flowers promotes continuous blooming.
Tools
Pruning shears, sharp scissors, gloves.
Checklist
Use clean tools; prune dead or damaged parts; shape as needed; deadhead regularly.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 1–2 inches in diameter; ensure good drainage holes.
Method
Gently remove plant; trim any circling roots; place in a slightly larger pot with fresh, well-draining soil; water thoroughly after repotting.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; beneficial for rejuvenation and fresh soil.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot size; use fresh soil mix; handle roots gently; water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure drainage; avoid overhead watering.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, targeting the root zone; apply until water drains from the bottom; avoid wetting foliage to reduce disease risk; water early in the morning for optimal absorption.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once a week during active growth; reduce frequency in winter to every 2–3 weeks, allowing soil to dry between waterings.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or coarse sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure good aeration by avoiding compacted soil.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, yellowing leaves, stunted growth, or leaf drop in extreme heat or cold.
Cold Stress
Leaves may turn purple or brown; growth slows or halts; risk of frost damage in winter.
Solution: Mulch heavily in winter; protect from frost with row covers or cloches; ensure good air circulation to prevent cold dampness.
Hot Stress
Leaves may scorch, wilt, or drop; flowers may fade quickly; growth may become leggy.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase watering frequency; use reflective mulch to reduce soil temperature.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer; apply during active growth; avoid winter feeding; water before and after fertilizing.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength; apply every 4–6 weeks during growing season (spring to early summer); avoid fertilizing in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicErigeron glabellus is not considered toxic to cats. It has no known toxic effects or physiological impacts on felines.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally not toxic
Dogs
Non-toxicErigeron glabellus is not considered toxic to dogs. There are no known adverse effects or physiological impacts associated with this plant.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally not toxic
Humans
Non-toxicErigeron glabellus is not considered toxic to humans under normal circumstances. It has no known significant toxic effects or physiological impacts.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally not toxic
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How tall does Erigeron glabellus grow?
A: It typically reaches 6 to 12 inches in height.
Q: Does Erigeron glabellus attract pollinators?
A: Yes, it is highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
Q: Is Erigeron glabellus suitable for rock gardens?
A: Yes, its drought tolerance and low maintenance make it ideal for rock gardens.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Asteraceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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