Fleabane Erigeron 'Dunkelste Aller'

👤 Non-toxic to humans

🐾 Non-toxic to pets

🌸 Blooming

🍪 Not edible

‍🌱 Easy-care

ABOUT

The Erigeron 'Dunkelste Aller', commonly known as Fleabane, showcases a delightful and dense array of small, daisy-like flowers. These charming blossoms present a color palette that typically shifts from soft lavender to deep, rich purples, creating a gradient effect that adds depth and vibrancy to its overall appearance. Each flower consists of a central disk, which usually bears a warm, yellow to golden hue, encircled by slender petals radiating outward. These petals may exhibit a slightly shaggy or fringed look, enhancing the plant's whimsical charm. The foliage of the Fleabane forms a low, compact mound that provides a lush green backdrop for the colorful flowers. The leaves are narrow and elongated, sometimes with a slightly hairy or rough texture, giving the plant a full and verdant look even when it is not in bloom. Collectively, the blossoms and foliage create a dense and textured visual that can add both color and a touch of wildflower-esque grace to a garden setting.

Plant Info

Care

Common Problems

About this plant

Names
- Family
  Asteraceae.
- Synonyms
  Fleabane, Mexican Fleabane, Eastern Daisy Fleabane, Showy Fleabane.
- Common names
  I cannot provide synonyms for the plant Erigeron 'Dunkelste Aller' as it is a cultivar name and cultivars typically do not have scientific synonyms. Cultivar names are unique to a particular cultivated variety of a plant.
Toxicity
- To humans
  The plant commonly known as Fleabane (Erigeron 'Dunkelste Aller') is not known to be toxic to humans. There are no documented symptoms of poisoning from ingesting this plant, and it is generally considered safe. However, as with any plant, individual allergies or sensitivities could potentially lead to adverse reactions, so it is always advisable to exercise caution and avoid ingesting plants that are not specifically known to be edible.
- To pets
  Fleabane (Erigeron 'Dunkelste Aller') is also not known to be toxic to pets. There are no commonly reported symptoms of poisoning from pets ingesting this plant. It is generally considered safe for pets, but as with humans, individual animals may have their own sensitivities or allergies which could lead to negative reactions. Always keep an eye on your pet to ensure they don't develop any unusual symptoms after consuming any plant material.
Characteristics
- Life cycle
  Perennials
- Foliage type
  Deciduous
- Color of leaves
  Green
- Flower color
  Pink
- Height
  1 foot 4 inches (0.4 meters)
- Spread
  1 foot 8 inches (0.5 meters)
- Plant type
  Herb
- Hardiness zones
  Varies
- Native area
  North America

Benefits

General Benefits
- Attracts Pollinators: Erigeron 'Dunkelste Aller', commonly known as Fleabane, pulls in bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects which are vital for pollination.
- Drought Resistance: Once established, Fleabane is remarkably drought-tolerant, making it suitable for xeriscaping or gardens in arid climates.
- Easy to Grow: This plant is known for being low-maintenance, requiring minimal care to thrive, which makes it ideal for novice gardeners.
- Fast Growth: Fleabane tends to grow quickly, filling in garden spaces and providing coverage in a shorter time frame.
- Long Blooming Period: With its daisy-like flowers, Fleabane often has a lengthy blooming season, offering extended visual appeal.
- Versatile Landscaping: It can be used in various landscaping designs including borders, rock gardens, and as ground cover.
- Erosion Control: The root system of Fleabane helps stabilize soil which can be beneficial on slopes or areas prone to erosion.
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
- Flea deterrent: Sprinkling dried fleabane around pet bedding can help repel fleas due to its natural deterrent properties.
- Artistic inspiration: Fleabane's delicate flowers and overall form can inspire artists and be used as a subject for painting or photography, capturing its beauty on canvas or photo.
- Companion planting: Fleabane can be planted next to crops to attract pollinators, which can improve the yield of vegetable and fruit plants.
- Edible decor: The petals of some Erigeron species are edible and can be used to add color and a mild flavor to salads or as a garnish on desserts.
- Botanical studies: Erigeron 'Dunkelste Aller', with its extensive root system, can be used in studies related to soil erosion prevention and land reclamation projects.
- Dye production: Some species of Erigeron can be used to create a natural dye for textiles, offering a soft, greenish hue when properly prepared.
- Floristry: Fleabane makes a delicate addition to flower arrangements and bouquets, giving them a wildflower charm.
- Habitat support: By planting Fleabane in gardens, one can provide a habitat for beneficial insects like lacewings and ladybugs, which are natural pest controllers.
- Symbolism and gifting: Fleabane can carry symbolic meanings of warmth and joy, making it an endearing gift in a potted form or as part of a floral bouquet.
- Educational use: Fleabane can be used in educational settings such as schools and botanical workshops to teach about plant biology, propagation, and identification.

Interesting Facts

Feng Shui
The Erigeron, commonly known as the Fleabane, is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign Compitability
The Fleabane is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism
- Persistence: Erigeron, commonly known as Fleabane, often symbolizes persistence due to its hardy nature and ability to grow in challenging conditions.
- Conquest of Challenges: The resilience of Fleabane to thrive in various environments signifies overcoming difficulties.
- Courage: Fleabane can also represent courage as it stands bold and colorful, often in rocky and unstable soils.

💧

Every 1-2 weeks

Water

☀️

2500 - 10000 Lux

Light

💦️

Humidity

🪴

Every 3-4 years

Repotting

🌱️

Spring-Early Summer

Propogation

✂️️

Not needed

Pruning

Water
Fleabane prefers consistent moisture, so aim to water it deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, which might be once a week during active growth. During hot, dry periods, watering may need to increase to twice a week, ensuring you provide enough water to saturate the root zone. Reduce watering frequency in the winter when the plant is not actively growing. An average amount could be about 1 gallon per week for an established plant, but adjust according to your local conditions and weather. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so ensure good drainage.
Light
Fleabane thrives best in full sun to partial shade. The ideal spot is where the plant can receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily, however, in hotter climates, some afternoon shade is beneficial to prevent scorching. Ensure it's placed in a location where the morning light is abundant, as this can promote healthier growth and more abundant blooms.
Temperature
Fleabane is hardy and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures; it can survive a minimum temperature down to about 20°F and can handle temperatures well into the high 90s°F during its growing season. The ideal temperature for promoting good growth and flowering is between 60°F to 80°F. Always ensure that the plant is protected from harsh winter conditions by applying mulch or bringing it indoors if it is in a container.
Pruning
Prune Fleabane to maintain its shape, encourage bushier growth, and promote more abundant flowering. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage new blooms. Cut back the plant by about a third after the blooming season ends to prepare it for winter. The best time for a more thorough pruning is late winter or early spring, just as new growth begins.
Cleaning
As needed
Soil
The best soil mix for the common Fleabane 'Dunkelste Aller' is a well-draining, loamy soil with added organic matter, such as compost or peat moss. The soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 5.5 to 7.0. Good drainage is essential to prevent root rot, and the soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged.
Repotting
Fleabane 'Dunkelste Aller' typically does not require frequent repotting and can be repotted every 2-3 years. However, if you notice that the plant has outgrown its pot or the soil has significantly degraded, repotting may be necessary. Choose a slightly larger pot with adequate drainage holes to accommodate growth.
Humidity & Misting
Fleabane 'Dunkelste Aller' tolerates a wide range of humidity levels but prefers average to slightly moist conditions. It does not require high humidity and can thrive in the typical humidity levels found in most home environments. Avoid placing it in excessively dry spots.
Suitable locations
- Indoor
  Provide bright, indirect light and water moderately.
- Outdoor
  Plant in well-draining soil, full sun to partial shade.
- Hardiness zone
  5-9 USDA
Life cycle
The Erigeron 'Dunkelste Aller', commonly known as the Fleabane 'Dunkelste Aller', begins its life cycle as a seed, typically planted in well-drained soil during spring or autumn. Upon germination, Fleabane develops a rosette of leaves at the soil surface, entering its vegetative stage. As the plant matures, it grows a sturdy stem and produces narrow, lance-shaped leaves along the stem, leading up to the flowering stage. The flowering stage occurs in late spring to early summer, displaying numerous small daisy-like flowers with purple to pinkish petals and a yellow central disk. After pollination, the plant produces dry, single-seeded fruits called achenes, ensuring seed dispersal for the next generation. Finally, as the plant completes its life cycle, it enters senescence, where growth ceases and the plant dies back, typically after setting seed.
Propogation
- Propogation time
  Spring-Early Summer
- The Erigeron 'Dunkelste Aller', commonly known as the Fleabane, can be propagated most effectively through division. This method involves separating mature clumps into smaller sections in early spring or autumn. The preferred time to carry out division is in the cooler parts of the day to minimize stress on the plant. When dividing, ensure each section has a healthy amount of roots and a few shoots. These divisions should then be replanted at the same depth they were originally growing at and watered thoroughly. Care should be taken to keep the soil consistently moist until the new divisions are well-established, which typically involves a frequency of watering that maintains soil moisture without causing waterlogging.