Erigeron glaucus

The Erigeron glaucus, also known as fleabane, is a charming perennial plant that is highly floriferous from late spring to early summer. It forms a low clump and is adorned with semi-double compound heads, which are quite large compared to the size of the plant, changing from white to pink around a beautiful golden centre. Simple and generous, this Erigeron easily finds its place in the garden in rockeries and sunny borders, in light soil that is not too dry, even limestone. It is also well adapted to coastal conditions.

Erigeron glaucus belongs to the family of Asteraceae, just like asters and daisies. This botanical species grows on beaches, dunes, and coastal cliffs in California and Oregon. It has naturalized in Europe where it is sometimes seen on the coasts. It is a perennial plant with a robust rootstock that reaches about 25 cm (10in) in height. Its ramified stems bear thick, slightly leathery, spoon-shaped leaves, occasionally with slightly dentate margins, measuring 2 to 13 cm (1 to 5in) long. The foliage can be evergreen depending on the severity of the winter. Flowering begins in May-June and, depending on the climate, can continue until October. The inflorescences are composed of 1 to 15 flowers in heads measuring between 1 to 3 cm (0.5 to 1in) wide. Each head is formed by a golden centre surrounded by thin florets called ligules. The colour of the ligules ranges from white to pink.

This glaucous fleabane, which is quite hardy, has the advantage of flowering abundantly and for a long time in light and sunny soils. This excellent perennial will therefore be welcome in the border of a bed or path, or in a rockery that is not too dry. Combine this fleabane with undemanding perennials such as aubrietas, sage nemorosa, valerian, Ceratostigma plumbaginoides, dwarf asters, and many others. A beautiful scene can be created by combining it, for example, with Coreopsis 'Full Moon Madness' and Geranium 'Elsbeth'.