Apache Beggarticks Bidens ferulifolia Beedance Painted Red = 'Sunbidevb 2' (PBR)
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ABOUT
Bidens ferulifolia Beedance Painted Red, commonly referred to as Apache Beggarticks or Spanish Needles, boasts an arresting appearance with a unique color palette that is sure to draw attention in any garden setting. This vibrant plant features an array of daisy-like flowers, each brandishing a warm, fiery hue that merges red and yellow tones for a mesmerizing effect. The flower's central disc is a deep golden color, encircled by slender petals that daintily graduate from yellow at the base to bold crimson at the tips, reminiscent of a painter's careful brush strokes. The foliage of the Apache Beggarticks provides a lush backdrop to the striking flowers, with leaves that are finely divided and resemble delicate ferns in their form. They are a deep green color, which creates an attractive contrast and makes the red and yellow flowers pop even more. The plant carries an overall bushy and dense appearance, presenting an exuberant display of color and form. Its visual impact is further enhanced by the long blooming season and the tendency of the flowers to appear in generous clusters. This Apache Beggarticks cultivar not only adds visual splendor to spaces but is also favored by pollinators, making it an excellent choice for those looking to support local ecosystems. The blossoms are known to attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, adding life and movement to the visual charm of the garden. With its vivid and cheerful flowers, Beedance Painted Red is an inviting selection for gardens, containers, and as a companion plant in mixed borders, bringing a burst of color and a touch of whimsy wherever it grows.
About this plant
Names
Family
Asteraceae.
Synonyms
Apache Beggarticks, Fern-leaved Beggarticks, Devil's Beggarticks.
Common names
Bidens ferulifolia 'Sunbidevb 2' (PBR).
Toxicity
To humans
Bidens ferulifolia, commonly known as Apache Beggarticks, is not typically considered toxic to humans. There is little information indicating that the plant poses any health risks if ingested. However, as with any plant, individual allergies or sensitivities can exist. It is always recommended to exercise caution and avoid ingesting plants not meant for consumption.
To pets
Apache Beggarticks, the common name for Bidens ferulifolia, is not generally known to be toxic to pets. There is a lack of reports indicating any significant health risks to animals if they consume this plant. Despite this, pet owners should always prevent pets from eating ornamental plants as a precautionary measure, since individual animals might have specific sensitivities or allergies, and ingestion of non-food plants can sometimes cause gastrointestinal upset.
Characteristics
Life cycle
Annuals
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Red
Height
1 foot (30 cm)
Spread
2 feet (60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
9
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits
- Attracts Pollinators: Bidens ferulifolia is known for attracting beneficial insects, such as bees and butterflies, which are essential for pollination.
- Low Maintenance: This plant is easy to care for, requiring minimal watering and general upkeep, making it suitable for busy gardeners.
- Drought Tolerant: It can withstand dry conditions, reducing the need for frequent watering and conserving water resources.
- Long Blooming Period: It offers a long blooming season from early summer to fall, providing a consistent display of color in the garden.
- Versatile Planting Options: Can be planted in containers, hanging baskets, or directly in the ground, offering flexibility in garden design.
- Compact Size: Its compact growth habit makes it suitable for small spaces and for use as a border or edging plant.
- Colorful Foliage and Flowers: With its vibrant red and yellow bicolored flowers, it adds a splash of color to any garden setting.
- Fast Growing: The plant establishes and grows quickly, allowing for rapid enjoyment of its aesthetic benefits.
- Resistant to Pests: It has natural resistance to common pests, minimizing the need for chemical treatments.
Medical Properties
This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying Qualities
This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses
- Dye Source: The petals of the Apache Beggarticks can be used to create natural dyes for fabrics, offering a range of colors depending upon the mordant used.
- Insect Repellent: Some gardeners plant Apache Beggarticks around vegetable gardens to repel certain insects, taking advantage of its natural properties.
- Photography Backdrop: Due to its vibrant red and yellow flowers, Apache Beggarticks can serve as a beautiful backdrop for outdoor photography.
- Artistic Inspiration: The unique coloring and form of Apache Beggarticks can inspire artists and be used as a subject in paintings and drawings.
- Culinary Garnish: While not commonly consumed, the flowers may be used as an edible garnish for salads and desserts for an unusual touch.
- Educational Tool: Apache Beggarticks can be used in educational settings to teach about pollination and plant growth habits.
- Craft Projects: Dried flowers of Apache Beggarticks can be used in crafting, such as in potpourri mixes or pressed flower art.
- Scented Gardens: This plant's subtle fragrance can contribute to the aromatic profile of scented gardens or mixed flower borders.
- Theme Gardens: Apache Beggarticks can be integrated into theme gardens, such as red color-themed beds or butterfly gardens, due to their attractive colors and pollinator-friendly nature.
- Fall Displays: Its late flowering season allows for use in fall displays alongside pumpkins and autumnal foliage for decorative purposes.
Interesting Facts
Feng Shui
The Spanish Needles is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign Compitability
The Spanish Needles is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism
- Attraction and Persuasion: The vibrant red and orange hues of the Bidens ferulifolia symbolize a magnetic charm that can influence and attract positive attention.
- Resilience and Adaptability: Known for its hardiness and ability to thrive in various conditions, this plant represents one's ability to adapt to different situations and endure challenging times.
- Encouragement and Support: With its bright and cheerful flowers, it serves as a symbol of encouragement, uplifting spirits and offering support to those who might be facing difficult moments.
- Joy and Happiness: The colorful presence of the Bidens, often associated with happiness and warmth, is believed to bring joy and positive vibes into one's life or home.
Water
The Bidens ferulifolia, or more commonly known as Apache Beggarticks, prefers evenly moist soil and should be watered regularly to maintain this moisture level. Water the plant deeply enough to soak the roots without leaving the soil waterlogged – this often equates to about 1-2 inches of water per week, adjusting for rainfall, in the form of either a gentle shower from a watering can or a slow drip from a hose to avoid disturbing the soil or damaging the foliage. During the hotter, dryer months, you may need to water the Apache Beggarticks more frequently, especially if it's in a container. Always check the top inch of soil before watering; if it feels dry, it's time to water.
Light
Apache Beggarticks thrive in full sun and should be planted in a location where they receive at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. The plant can tolerate partial shade, especially in hotter climates, but the best flowering is achieved in full sun exposure. A spot that gets morning sun and some light afternoon shade can be suitable, but too much shade will lead to fewer blooms and leggy growth.
Temperature
Apache Beggarticks prefer warm temperatures and are suited to thrive in temperatures between 60°F and 80°F, which are considered its ideal growing conditions. The plant can withstand temperatures as high as 90°F but may need extra watering in such heat. It's frost-sensitive and cannot survive temperatures below 32°F, so it's important to protect or bring it indoors if frost is expected.
Pruning
Pruning Apache Beggarticks is necessary to maintain a neat appearance and encourage more robust growth and flowering. Lightly pinch back the tips of the plants in the spring to promote bushier growth, and remove any dead or faded flowers to encourage continual blooming. Pruning is best done regularly throughout the flowering season. The best time for extensive pruning is early spring before new growth begins.
Cleaning
As needed
Soil
Apache Beggarticks thrive in a well-draining, loamy to sandy soil mix with good fertility. A balanced mix could be 2 parts potting soil, 1 part perlite or coarse sand, and 1 part compost. The ideal soil pH for this plant is slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.0 to 7.0.
Repotting
Apache Beggarticks do not generally require frequent repotting and can be done every 2-3 years. It’s best to repot in spring when signs of being root-bound are evident or when the plant has outgrown its current container.
Humidity & Misting
Apache Beggarticks prefer moderate to high humidity levels, but they are quite adaptable to less humid conditions as well. Aim for 40-60% humidity for optimal growth, which is the average range in many home environments.
Suitable locations
Indoor
Place in bright indirect light and avoid overwatering.
Outdoor
Grow in full sun to partial shade and water regularly.
Hardiness zone
9-11 USDA
Life cycle
The Apache beggarticks (Bidens ferulifolia Beedance Painted Red = 'Sunbidevb 2' (PBR)) typically begins its life as a seed, which germinates in warm, moist soil conditions, emerging as a seedling with a pair of initial leaves, also known as cotyledons. As the plant progresses to the vegetative stage, it develops true leaves and stems, expanding its root system and foliage, preparing for subsequent flowering. Entering the flowering stage, the Apache beggarticks produces its distinct red and yellow bicolor blooms which attract pollinators, necessary for the reproductive process. Following pollination, the plant develops fruits in the form of achenes, which contain seeds that are eventually dispersed, often through wind or animal activity, continuing its reproductive cycle. In colder climates, this annual plant will die after setting seed, completing its life cycle within one growing season, while in milder climates, it may behave as a perennial, surviving multiple seasons. Overwintering can occur in some zones, with the plant returning from the root system or from self-sown seeds the following spring.
Propogation
Propogation time
Spring-Summer
The most popular method of propagation for the Bidens ferulifolia 'Beedance Painted Red' is through cuttings. This typically involves taking a healthy stem tip, about 4-6 inches (10-15 centimeters) in length, from a mature plant during the active growth period, which is usually late spring to early summer. The lower leaves are removed, and the cut end dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root development. The cutting is then placed in a well-draining soil mix, ensuring the node where the leaves were removed is buried, as roots will develop from this area. The pot with the cutting is kept in a warm, well-lit area but out of direct sunlight to avoid scorching, and the soil is kept consistently moist but not waterlogged. Roots generally form within a few weeks, after which the new plant can be gradually acclimatized to the outdoor environment and eventually planted in its permanent location.