Fleabane Erigeron chrysopsidis 'Grand Ridge'

Water

The Gold Nugget Fleabane, commonly known as Erigeron chrysopsidis 'Grand Ridge', should be watered deeply but infrequently to mimic its native dry conditions. It's vital to water the plant when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Typically, watering once a week during active growing seasons, such as spring and summer, is sufficient. However, reduce watering in the fall and scarcely in the winter to prevent overwatering as the plant's growth slows. Each watering session should thoroughly saturate the soil, using approximately one gallon of water per square foot, ensuring it reaches the deep roots.

Light

For the Gold Nugget Fleabane, bright and direct light is best to ensure healthy growth and abundant flowering. An ideal spot would be in front of a south-facing window, where it can receive at least six hours of sunlight daily. However, it can also tolerate and thrive in part-sun conditions, making it versatile for different garden settings or indoor spots with moderate light.

Temperature

The Gold Nugget Fleabane is hardy and can withstand minimum temperatures down to 20 degrees Fahrenheit, making it suitable for outdoor growing in many climates. For optimal growth, maintaining an environment between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit is ideal. This plant can survive brief spikes above this range, but prolonged exposure to extreme heat or cold may harm the plant.

Pruning

Pruning the Gold Nugget Fleabane is mainly required to remove spent flowers and encourage further blooming, or to trim back any dead or damaged foliage. The best time to prune is immediately after a wave of blooms have faded. Deadheading, or the process of removing old flower heads, can be done throughout the growing season to keep the plant looking tidy and to promote additional flowers.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Fleabane 'Grand Ridge' prefers a well-draining soil mix with a pH that is slightly acidic to neutral. A good recipe would be a mix of peat, perlite, and garden soil in equal parts. Ensure proper drainage to prevent waterlogging, which can lead to root rot.

Repotting

Fleabane 'Grand Ridge' doesn't require frequent repotting and can be done every 2-3 years. It's best to repot in spring when the plant shows signs of being root-bound or when the soil is depleted.

Humidity & Misting

Fleabane 'Grand Ridge' thrives in moderate humidity levels. The plant is adaptable but avoid extremely high humidity to prevent fungal diseases. Average room humidity should be suitable for this plant.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  For Fleabane 'Grand Ridge', use bright, indirect light.

• Outdoor

  Plant Fleabane 'Grand Ridge' in full sun to partial shade.

• Hardiness zone

  5-9 USDA

Life cycle

The Erigeron chrysopsidis 'Grand Ridge', commonly known as Grand Ridge Fleabane, begins its life cycle as a seed, which upon finding suitable conditions—well-drained soil and adequate sunlight—germinates to produce a tiny seedling. As it matures, the seedling develops into a rosette of leaves at ground level, drawing nutrients from the soil and energy from the sunlight for photosynthesis. It then enters a vegetative stage where the plant grows rapidly, producing more leaves and stems, which in turn may be herbaceous or semi-woody in nature. Following the vegetative stage, Grand Ridge Fleabane progresses to its reproductive phase, characterized by the development of numerous daisy-like flowers with yellow centers and lavender to white petals, typically blooming in late spring or summer. After pollination, most commonly by insects, these flowers produce seeds that are dispersed by wind, allowing for colonization of new areas. Finally, as an herbaceous perennial, once the growing season concludes, the above-ground portion dies back, but the plant survives through its root system to regrow and complete the cycle again come spring.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• The Erigeron chrysopsidis 'Grand Ridge', commonly known as the fleabane, can be propagated effectively through seed sowing. Seeds can be sown in a cold frame as soon as they are ripe. This usually corresponds to late summer to fall, after the flowering period when the seed heads have matured. To propagate by seed, it's not necessary to cover the seeds with soil since they need light to germinate. A light sprinkle of vermiculite or finely sieved compost will do. Simply scatter the seeds on the surface of a seed-starting mix, press them gently into the medium, and keep them moist. The cold frame should be kept in a well-ventilated, bright, but not direct sunlight location where temperatures range from 55 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit (approximately 13 to 18 degrees Celsius). Germination can take several weeks, so patience is key.