Showy Fleabane, courtesy SW Colorado Wildflowers
Erigeron is a large genus in the Asteraceae/Sunflower family, with about 460 species world-wide, 170 of them native to N. America. Our Rocky Mountain region is home to some of the most garden-worthy species. Fleabane, the common name in English, appears to be derived from a belief that the dried plants repel fleas or that the plants are poisonous to fleas. Erigeron species are host plants to the larvae of some butterfly and moth species,and their flowers serve as pollen and nectar sources for many Lepidoptera and other pollinators.
Erigeron compositus ‘Railroad Ridge’, courtesy Mike Kintgen
Here are some of our favorites, in stock currently!
Erigeron compositus – Cutleaf Daisy, Cutleaf Fleabane
A diminutive, low-growing but vigorous Colorado native fleabane. In spring, expect loads of ½” daisies on stems 3 to 6” tall above attractive finely dissected gray-green foliage. Spreading slowly to 12” wide, Cutleaf Daisy is a hardy perennial (Zone 4). It is delightful in low-water gardens, troughs or exposed slopes with good drainage. Selections are available with pink, lavender or white flowers. Pollinated by native bees and butterflies.
Erigeron formosissimus ‘Rambler’ – RamblerTM Mountain fleabane
RAMBLERTM mountain fleabane looks at home in both formal and naturalistic landscapes. This native, pollinator-friendly wildflower fits well in borders, pollinator gardens and rock gardens. Cheerful 1” bright lavender daisy flowers appear in May and June on 10-12” x 10-12” plants over grassy-looking leaves. It’s adaptable, so plant it in sun or partial shade in nearly any soil, as long as it drains. Mountain Fleabane is drought-tolerant once established, hardy to zone 4 (to 13,000’), happy in sun or part-shade, and deer-resistant. Pro tips from Plant Select: prefers well-drained soils; occasional deep watering is needed during prolonged drought or extreme heat. RAMBLERTM mountain fleabane is a native selection—a plant found in the wild that was selected for unique, naturally-occurring traits. Our friend Mike Kintgen, Rock and Alpine gardens curator at Denver Botanic Gardens selected this plant for its abundant flowers, short stature and ability to grow in elevations up to 13,000 feet.
Erigeron linearis – Desert Yellow Fleabane
An unusual color in for the genus, the profusion of golden-yellow ¾” flowers and slender, linear foliage make this small but showy, long-blooming fleabane a stand-out in the sunny spring and summer garden with very little care or water. Plants typically grow to 6 x 6”. Grows in poor, well-drained soil. Native in northwestern Colorado and other western states. Hardy to Zone 4. Pollinated by native bees, butterflies and wasps.
Erigeron speciosus – Showy Fleabane, Aspen Fleabane
‘Specios’ is Latin for ‘showy’ or ‘beautiful’, and this Colorado native wildflower is aptly named! Native to montane and sub-alpine zones in Colorado and other western states, Showy fleabane’s 2”- wide lavender-blue daisy flowers come in mid to late summer in the high country, earlier here in the lowlands. Plant in well-drained soil in full sun at high altitude, sun or part shade on the plains. Plants are more loosely branched and larger than most other fleabanes, to 18” tall and 30” wide. Stems are maroon-tinged, and fall colors are subdued hues of reds, purples, yellows, and greens. Very attractive to many native pollinators, and resistant to deer and rabbits. Hardy to Zone 2.