John Rickard
Family
Asteraceae
Botanical Name
Erigeron karvinskianus
Plant Common Name
Latin American Fleabane, Profusion Fleabane
General Description
Santa Barbara daisy is a vigorous, spreading perennial originating from Mexico to Panama. Its trailing stems form a carpet of narrowly oval, fuzzy, silvery-green foliage. Throughout the warm growing months, it covers itself with many yellow-centered daisies that open white, eventually aging to pink and finally, lavender. The flowers are carried singly or in small branched clusters on short stems, and are highly attractive to butterflies. This plant was given the Award of Garden Merit by the Royal Horticultural Society.
This perennial grows easily in full sun and reasonably fertile, well-drained soil. Removal of spent flowering stems keeps it looking neat, and may extend the flowering period. Avoid locations with heavy winter moisture.
Easy and drought-tolerant, Santa Barbara daisy is perfect for waterwise plantings, sunny rock gardens and containers. It also makes a fine groundcover, and is pretty peeking from crevices in stone walls or between paving stones. It may spread enthusiastically if allowed, and has become invasive in some areas, notably, Hawaii.
Characteristics
-
AHS Heat Zone
7 - 5
-
USDA Hardiness Zone
5 - 7
-
Sunset Zone
H1, H2, 8, 9, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
-
Plant Type
Perennial
-
Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun
-
Height
6"-12" / 15.2cm - 30.5cm
-
Width
24"-30" / 61.0cm - 76.2cm
-
Bloom Time
Spring, Late Spring, Early Summer, Summer, Late Summer, Early Fall, Fall
-
Native To
Mexico, Central America
Growing Conditions
-
Soil pH
Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline
-
Soil Drainage
Well Drained
-
Soil type
Clay, Loam, Sand
-
Tolerances
Drought
-
Growth Rate
Medium
-
Water Requirements
Drought Tolerant, Average Water
-
Habit
Spreading
-
Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer, Fall
Ornamental Features
-
Flower Interest
Showy
-
Flower Color
White, Pink, Lavender
-
Foliage Color (Spring)
Gray Green
-
Foliage Color (Summer)
Gray Green
-
Foliage Color (Fall)
Gray Green
-
Foliage Color (Winter)
Gray Green
-
Fragrant Flowers
No
-
Fragrant Fruit
No
-
Fragrant Foliage
No
-
Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
-
Flower Petal Number
Single
-
Repeat Bloomer
Yes
-
Showy Fruit
No
-
Edible Fruit
No
-
Showy Foliage
No
-
Foliage Texture
Medium
-
Foliage Sheen
Matte
-
Evergreen
Semi-Evergreen
-
Showy Bark
No
Special Characteristics
-
Usage
Container, Cutflower, Edging, Groundcover, Hanging Basket, Mixed Border, Rock Garden / Wall, Wildflower
-
Sharp or Has Thorns
No
-
Invasive
Sometimes
-
Attracts
Butterflies
-
Self-Sowing
Yes
