This perennial grows into a veritable carpet over time. It produces white flowers that are very reminiscent of daisies, but unlike those that bloom, they turn red. What care does the Spanish daisy, also known as Mexican fleabane, need?
How do you properly care for the Spanish daisy?
The Spanish daisy requires little water, tolerates drought and heat, should be watered evenly and protected from waterlogging. Care tips include regular fertilization, removing wilted flowers and winter protection.
Can drought be tolerated?
The origin of the Spanish daisy is Central America. It grows primarily in Mexico and there in rocky locations. Due to this home, the perennial was able to adapt well to dry seasons. It also tolerates heat easily.
What should you pay attention to when watering?
When watering, you should keep the soil slightly moist and evenly. Under no circumstances should there be any build-up of moisture. This plant cannot tolerate this. If you decide to overwinter, you should water the plant more sparingly in winter. In general, its water requirement is rather low.
How to fertilize the Spanish daisy?
Adding fertilizer every now and then is also recommended. This is especially true if you want your Mexican fleabane to bloom all summer long. These aspects are essential:
- fertilize every 2 weeks
- fertilize from May
- Stop fertilizing from August
- Provide outdoor plants with compost in spring
- generally only use complete fertilizer (€45.00 on Amazon)
Should this perennial be cut?
Most gardeners only grow the Spanish daisy as an annual. However, cut it in the summer. During the flowering period it is advisable to constantly remove the wilted flowers. This stimulates re-blooming. In addition, if you overwinter the plant, you can cut it back to 2/3 in the spring.
Is the Spanish daisy sufficiently hardy?
This plant is considered to be partially hardy in this country. Its winter hardiness is stated to be -18 °C. But you shouldn't test this out. It is better to protect this plant outdoors, for example with brushwood or leaves.
If the plant is in a pot outside, it should be overwintered in a bright and frost-free location. Temperatures between 1 and 5 °C are optimal.
Tip
The Spanish daisy is rarely attacked by diseases or pests. It is only susceptible to root rot if the soil is too wet. So pay attention to it!
