Erigeron karvinskianus

Erigeron karvinskianus, also known as Mexican Fleabane, lives up to its nickname of Wall Daisy wonderfully: this small spreading perennial particularly enjoys rocky limestone areas and for months from spring to autumn produces daisy-like flowers that change from dark pink to white, with a reddish-pink double layer. It appreciates rocky and somewhat inhospitable places so much that it enthusiastically self-seeds there, punctuating the steps of stairs, cracks in walls, or dry slopes with light and lovely clumps.

The Erigeron karvinskianus (synonyms Vittadinia triloba, Erigeron mucronatus) is native to Mexico and Central America. It belongs to the large family of Asteraceae, as evidenced by its clusters of flowers with heads like daisies. It is a perennial plant with flexible and branching stems, forming a low and dense mass, more or less spreading, measuring 30 cm (11.8 in) in height and 40 cm (15.7 in) in width. Lateral growth is ensured by underground rhizomes. The stems are densely covered with very small, dark green, ovate and pointed leaves, grouped in small clusters. They persist in winter down to -5°C. Flowering begins in May-June depending on the region and continues until October or even December in warm regions. The plant produces numerous 1 cm (0.4 in) diameter flower heads, which range in colour from dark pink to white, with a small yellow heart. When the summer is very dry, the blooms dry up and only resume with the return of rain. Once pollinated by insects, the flowers give way to tufted seeds that will be dispersed by the wind. They will easily germinate along pathways, between paving stones, or in the gaps of dry stone walls. It is a generous plant and very easy to grow, but it is somewhat sensitive to cold: it is hardy to around -10 to -12°C in well-drained soil.

A sun-loving perennial, preferring slightly arid areas that are neglected by other plants, this small trailing erigeron forms absolutely delightful ground cover. Plant Erigeron karvinskianus along a pathway, in a rockery, above or along a wall. Combine it with Nepeta racemosa, Geranium sanguineum, Stipa pennata, Thymus capitatus - lovely low-growing plants that appreciate the same conditions and also tolerate summer drought.