ERIGERON – SEASIDE DAISY

Erigeron karvinskianus is commonly known as Seaside Daisy. It’s a hardy perennial that can cope with wind, heat and salt spray.  Now this  doesn’t sound as if it should grow in the Upper Blue Mountains of NSW, but it also copes with frost and snow, and thrives in my Blackheath garden.  I have a horrible feeling it may one day be classed as a weed here,  which would be terrible  because I love it so much as a ground cover. In its defence (and mine), when I was a member of our local bush care group it wasn’t something I came across , as apposed to wretched Buttercups, Montbretia, Agapanthus and  Forget-me-nots.

It has very different foliage and grows much taller (16-30cm) than the little wild plant of  ‘daisy-chain’ fame;

Erigeron does self seed and will establishes itself in stonework where a pocket of soil has built up. The flowers are mainly white, becoming shades of pink as they age.

Source – PinterestThe area between very steep steps and a new stone wall  in my garden was such a challenge to cover , but Erigeron has done the trick. I just transplanted a few small clumps.

Here is a piece getting established  in that sone wall.

The plant is really useful as it  can cover a multitude of sins. Here it is  spilling over rather rustic stone walling … rustic because it was constructed  by me. 😎  This photo was taken looking down  from  my study’s Juliet balcony.  Left to its own devices the plant has been called ‘boisterously exuberant’ and it’s hard to disagree,

Satin Bowerbirds amid a cloud of Seaside Daisy

In another section of the garden it tumbles over a wooden retaining wall;

The following image shows  a newly planted hanging basket with Erigeron and Campanula. It’s hooked onto an arch of Australian native Hardenbergia.

It is truly tough, and yes…opportunistic.  I was amazed to find this brave little plant that has anchored itself onto a moss  covered rock. Note the pink flower.

I also plant Erigeron  in pots of spring bulbs. When the bulb foliage dies down there is still some colour and interest.

Surprisingly, the flowers  attract pollinators such as butterflies and bees, even when there are lots of alternative food sources around.

Small is beautiful to this bee.

How can anyone not enjoy this sweet plant? My advice is to find a little spot for it, but do keep it in check.  🥰

Finally, what about a Seaside Daisy Spritzer?  I’ll drink to that.

FOR MORE ON THE CULTIVATION AND CARE OF ERIGERON, CLICK HERE.

AND HERE ARE BLUE MOUNTAINS WEED LISTS  – NO ERIGERON.