Erigeron

Mexican Fleabane – Best Erigeron Karvinskianus Plants In New Zealand

Growing colourful perennials in your garden such as Mexican Fleabane delivers a vast range of benefits:

• They are visual plants that add impact to a space.
• They attract birds.
• Street appeal can be greatly enhanced.
• Children can learn the plants and become more involved with nature.
• These plants will bring you pleasure for many years to come.

We have both the largest variety of Mexican Daisy and Erigeron karvinskianus plants, and we have the right one for your space. These have been selected to thrive in NZ’s climate. We grow and stock only the highest quality plants, sourcing them locally, and from NZ’s leading nurseries. Each plant is packed and transported with extreme care, ensuring it arrives to you in the same condition it was in when it left the nursery. If you are wanting to buy Erigeron, shop with confidence from the best in the industry.

Erigeron And Mexican Fleabane Questions

1. Where is the best place to plant Erigeron?

Erigeron is a versatile plant that can be grown in a variety of settings. It prefers a full sun or partial shade position with a well-drained soil.

2. What are some of the common uses for Erigeron?

Some of the common uses for Erigeron include:

• Borders: Erigeron's bright flowers and airy foliage make it a popular choice for flower borders. It can be planted in groups or mixed with other flowering plants to create a stunning display.
• Rock gardens: Its compact size and drought tolerance make it ideal for these challenging environments.
• Containers: Erigeron can also be grown in containers on patios, balconies, and decks.
• Front gardens: Erigeron's bright flowers and neat foliage make it a good choice for planting in the front of the house for adding a touch of colour and street appeal to your home.

3. What is the English name for Erigeron?

The most common English name for Erigeron is fleabane. However, there are many different species of Erigeron, each with its own common name.

Here are a few examples:

• Erigeron annuus - eastern daisy fleabane
• Erigeron bonariensis - hairy fleabane
• Erigeron canadensis - horseweed
• Erigeron karvinskianus - Mexican fleabane
• Erigeron speciosus - Oregon fleabane

Some species of Erigeron also have more specific common names, such as:

• Erigeron aureus - butterweed
• Erigeron divergens - whitetop daisy
• Erigeron glaucus - seaside fleabane
• Erigeron philadelphicus - Philadelphia fleabane
• Erigeron strigosus - daisy fleabane

If you are unsure of the specific common name of a particular species of Erigeron, you can always refer to its latin name.

4. Why is Erigeron called fleabane?

The common name "fleabane" is thought to have originated in the Middle Ages, when people believed that dried fleabane could be used to repel fleas. There is some scientific evidence to support this claim, as some species of Erigeron contain compounds that have insecticidal properties. However, other studies have shown that fleabane is not particularly effective at repelling fleas.

It is also possible that the name "fleabane" is simply a reference to the plant's hairy appearance. Fleas are attracted to hair, so it may have been thought that fleabane's hairy leaves and stems made it a good habitat for fleas.

Whatever the reason, the name "fleabane" has stuck, and it is still used today to refer to many species of Erigeron.

5. Is Erigeron fully hardy?

The answer to whether erigeron is fully hardy depends on the specific species and the climate it's being grown in. There are quite a few different types of erigeron, and their hardiness levels vary. Here's a breakdown:

Fully hardy in most climates:

• Erigeron karvinskianus (Mexican fleabane): This popular variety is considered H5 hardy, meaning it can withstand temperatures down to -15°C. It thrives in a wide range of conditions, including dry soil and some shade.
• Erigeron glaucus (Sea daisy): Another H5 hardy option, Erigeron glaucus tolerates coastal winds and poor soil. Its silvery foliage and bright blue flowers add a striking touch to garden borders.
• Erigeron mucronulatus (Low fleabane): This compact erigeron (H4 hardy, tolerating temperatures down to -10°C) loves full sun and well-drained soil. Its purple-pink daisy-like flowers bloom prolifically from summer to autumn.

Hardy in milder climates:

• Erigeron speciosus (Showy fleabane): This tall variety prefers moist soil and partial shade. While it's H4 hardy in some regions, it may struggle in areas with very cold winters.
• Erigeron bellidifolius (Daisy fleabane): This delicate erigeron with white or pink flowers is typically H3 hardy and thrives in mild coastal areas.

Less hardy:

• Erigeron linifolius (Narrow-leaved fleabane): This species requires warmer temperatures and is only H2 hardy, making it unsuitable for most cold climates.

6. Can you grow Erigeron from cuttings?

Growing Erigeron from cuttings is a great way to propagate these cheerful daisies, and it's quite straightforward:

• Spring (after the last frost) is generally considered the best time for erigeron cuttings, as the plants are actively growing and have more energy for rooting.
• Select healthy, non-flowering stems from the base of the plant. Aim for stems that are firm but not woody, and around 75-100 mm (3-4 inches) in length.
• Remove the bottom leaves from the cuttings, leaving a couple of sets of leaves at the top. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone.
• Fill a pot with a well-draining potting mix, such as a mixture of sand, peat moss, and perlite. Make a hole in the potting mix with a pencil or your finger.
• Insert the cuttings into the prepared holes, ensuring the leaves are not buried. Firm the potting mix around the base of the cuttings.
• Water the potting mix thoroughly until water drains from the bottom of the pot.
• Place the pot in a bright, indirect light location. Maintain consistent moisture, keeping the soil slightly damp but not soggy. Mist the leaves regularly if the air is dry.
• Roots should start to form in 2-4 weeks. Once new growth appears, gradually harden off the cuttings by exposing them to increasing amounts of direct sunlight and outdoor air for a few weeks before planting them in their final location.

7. Can Erigeron be moved?

Yes, you can move Erigeron plants and they are generally considered easy to transplant. Here are some things to keep in mind:

• Autumn through spring are the best seasons to move plants. The cool temperatures and milder weather, reduces stress on the plant during the move.
• Water the plant thoroughly a day or two before transplanting, water the plant deeply to loosen the soil and hydrate the roots. This will help minimize root damage during the move.
• Prep the new location: Dig a hole in the new location large enough to accommodate the root ball of the Erigeron. Ensure the soil is well-drained and amended with compost or other organic matter if needed.
• Carefully dig up the plant: Gently lift the plant from the ground with as much of the root ball intact as possible. Avoid disturbing the roots unnecessarily.
• Replant immediately: Place the plant in the prepared hole and fill in the space around the root ball with soil. Firm the soil gently to remove air pockets.
• Water thoroughly: Water the plant generously after transplanting to help it settle in and establish new roots.