Four Winds fleabane Erigeron 'Four Winds'
ABOUT
Erigeron 'Four Winds', commonly known as Fleabane, is a charming perennial with a bushy and abundant appearance. It's recognized for the daisy-like flowers that profusely cover the plant. These alluring blooms display a blend of colors, often with bright yellow centers that transition into petals with a gradient of lovely shades, from deep pinks to pale purples, oftentimes creating a whimsical pastel effect. Further into the season, the colors may fade to softer tones, providing a delicate and ever-changing display in the garden. The foliage of Fleabane tends to be a lush green, forming a dense and leafy backdrop to the colorful floral display. The leaves are narrow, with a smooth or slightly serrated edge, giving the plant a textured look amidst the softness of the flowers. These leaves may grow densely around the stems, creating a full and hearty appearance that adds to its ornamental value. Overall, Fleabane has a mounded and spreading habit, giving it a generous presence in the landscape. The cheerful and copious flowers, along with the rich greenery, make Erigeron 'Four Winds' a delightful choice for gardeners looking to add a touch of robust color and vivacious life to their garden spaces. Its long blooming period and adaptability to various conditions make it a versatile plant that's capable of bringing extended beauty into many garden settings.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
Four Winds Fleabane, Four Winds Daisy
Common names
Erigeron 'Four Winds'
ToxicityTo humans
The Erigeron, commonly known as fleabane, is not known to be toxic to humans. However, as with any plant, individual allergies or sensitivities could possibly result in mild irritation or an allergic reaction if the plant is handled or ingested. It is always advisable to exercise caution and avoid eating any part of ornamental plants not designated as edible.
To pets
The fleabane plant is not known to be toxic to pets either. Similarly to humans, pets may have individual sensitivities, and ingestion can sometimes lead to gastrointestinal upset such as vomiting or diarrhea due to the ingestion of non-food items. Always monitor your pets around plants and discourage them from chewing on ornamental vegetation.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Semi-deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Easy to grow: Erigeron 'Four Winds' is known for being a hardy plant that can thrive with minimal care, making it suitable for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Drought tolerant: This plant is relatively tolerant to dry conditions once established, requiring less frequent watering compared to other garden plants.
- Attracts pollinators: The flowers of 'Four Winds' attract a variety of pollinators such as bees and butterflies, which are essential for the health of your garden's ecosystem.
- Long blooming period: Erigeron 'Four Winds' has a long flowering season, often blooming from spring through to autumn, providing extended color and interest in the garden.
- Groundcover potential: With its spreading habit, this plant can be used as an effective groundcover, helping to suppress weeds and reduce garden maintenance.
- Landscape versatility: This plant can be used in borders, rock gardens, and containers, adding versatility to garden design options.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Erigeron 'Four Winds', commonly known as Fleabane, can be used to create eco-friendly dyes, as its flowers may produce a range of subtle colors.
- Fleabane can be planted in gaps of paving stones or in rock gardens, where it can help suppress weeds and provide a natural, rustic look.
- The plant can be used for educational purposes, such as teaching about pollination, as it attracts a variety of pollinators including bees and butterflies.
- Fleabane can serve as a living mulch, covering the soil effectively and helping to retain soil moisture.
- It can be used in dried flower arrangements, adding a delicate touch to natural crafts and home decor.
- The flower petals of Fleabane can be used in the art of potpourri making, contributing a mild fragrance and bursts of color.
- Erigeron 'Four Winds' can be planted to stabilize soil on slopes or banks, thus preventing soil erosion with its root system.
- Fleabane can be included in wildlife gardens to provide a habitat and food source for various insects.
- The plant's compact growing habit makes it suitable for container gardening, allowing for decorative patios and balconies.
- In areas where lawn maintenance is difficult, Fleabane can be used as a lawn alternative, providing a meadow-like appearance.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Erigeron, commonly known as Fleabane, is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Fleabane is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Perseverance: Often found in harsh or rocky environments, Four Winds, also known as Fleabane, embodies the ability to thrive in challenging conditions, symbolizing persistence and resilience.
- Daintiness: With its delicate, numerous petals, Fleabane represents a gentle and intricate beauty, often associated with a sense of innocence and unassuming grace.
- Healing: Historically, Fleabane was used in folk medicine for various ailments. Therefore, it symbolizes healing and relief from pain or discomfort.
- Purity: The bright and light appearance of Fleabane blooms can signify purity of thought, word, and deed, often linking it to a pure-hearted perspective on life.
- Protection: In some traditions, Fleabane was thought to ward off fleas and other insects, making it a symbol of protection against things that might cause harm or irritation.
- Friendship: The prolific flowering nature of Fleabane, which can create a carpet of flowers, suggests a flourishing friendship that brings joy and covers life with beautiful memories.
WaterThe Santa Barbara Daisy should be watered deeply but infrequently to encourage strong root growth. Aim for about 1 inch of water per week, adjusting for rainfall. During the growing season in spring and summer, you might need to water once every week, especially in dry conditions. In the fall and winter, reduce watering to every two weeks or less, depending on the climate. Always check the top inch of soil for dryness before watering and provide water until the soil is moist but not waterlogged.
LightSanta Barbara Daisy thrives in full sun to partial shade. It performs best when it receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. A spot that offers morning sun and afternoon shade is ideal, especially in hotter climates, as it can prevent the foliage from scorching during the peak heat of the day.
TemperatureSanta Barbara Daisy can tolerate a wide range of temperatures but grows best when daytime temperatures are between 60°F and 70°F. It can survive minimum temperatures down to 20°F and maximum temperatures up to 85°F. Avoid exposing the plant to temperatures below 20°F to prevent cold damage.
PruningPrune Santa Barbara Daisy to maintain its shape, remove spent flowers, and encourage bushier growth. Deadheading, or the removal of faded flowers, should be done regularly to promote continuous blooming. Light shaping can be done in spring or fall, while more substantial pruning is best left for early spring before new growth begins.
CleaningAs needed
SoilFleabane 'Four Winds' thrives in well-draining, loamy soil enriched with organic matter. The best soil mix for Fleabane 'Four Winds' consists of two parts garden soil, one part compost or well-rotted manure, and one part sand to ensure good drainage. This plant prefers a soil pH ranging from slightly acidic to neutral, around 6.0 to 7.0.
RepottingFleabane 'Four Winds' should be repotted every 2 to 3 years during the spring season. The plant grows best when it is not root-bound, so ensuring it has ample room to grow in a slightly larger pot with fresh soil is important for its health.
Humidity & MistingFleabane 'Four Winds' is adaptable to a wide range of humidity levels but prefers normal to slightly moist air. No specific humidity level is needed, as it tolerates the average humidity found in most outdoor environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light with well-draining soil.
Outdoor
Choose a sunny spot, provide well-drained soil, water regularly.
Hardiness zone
4-10 USDA
Life cycleThe Erigeron 'Four Winds', commonly known as the Four Winds Fleabane, starts its life cycle as a seed, which, when sown in a well-draining soil mix and exposed to light, germinates. Upon germination, it develops into a seedling with characteristic narrow leaves. As it grows, the plant enters the vegetative stage, producing more leaves and stems, and it forms a bushy clump. During the blooming stage, typically in late spring through summer, it produces numerous daisy-like flowers with white to pinkish ray florets and a yellow center. After pollination, these flowers produce seeds, allowing the plant to complete its reproductive cycle. The Four Winds Fleabane is a perennial plant, which means that after the flowering period ends, it goes into dormancy, especially in cooler climates, only to regrow from its root system the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method of propagating Erigeron 'Four Winds', commonly known as the Fleabane Daisy, is through division. This is typically done in the spring or early fall when the plant is not actively flowering. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the plant and gently separate it into smaller sections, making sure each new section has a healthy portion of roots attached. These divisions can then be immediately replanted into prepared soil, preferably enriched with organic matter to help the plant establish quickly. Ensure that the newly planted divisions are well-watered to minimize transplant shock and encourage root growth.
