Apache Beggarticks Bidens ferulifolia Beedance Painted Red = 'Sunbidevb 2' (PBR)

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.