Erigeron karvinskianus 'Profusion', originated in Mexico but is now naturalized in many other areas of the world, such as parts of Africa, Europe, New Zealand, and the west coast of the United States.
Erigeron is an amazingly versatile plant, being low-growing, happy in sun or partial shade and thriving in any well-drained soil. It's also tolerant of coastal conditions.
The variety is aptly named as the flowers are produced in great profusion from early spring to late autumn. The daisy-like flowers open white but change to deep pink as they mature, so that at any one time flowers in any shade between will be found on one plant.
This rather superb bushy plant forms a low mound of grey-green leaves and flowers in only three months from seed, with a long flowering period, from September to February/March here in South Africa.
Try it as an edging plant in a mixed border, alongside paths, in a gravel garden, spilling over walls, or planted in the cracks in paving. The natural trailing habit and their drought tolerance makes them ideal for hanging baskets and containers. They can be planted under trees if enough light is given. Bees and butterflies love all erigeron and they make a wonderful addition to a wildlife garden.
Erigeron is an excellent hanging basket specimen - pic from Pinterest
Pic source unknown, was sent to me by e-mail
Erigeron are best planted in well-drained soil in full sun but will tolerate most soils in full sun and can tolerate partial shade. Good drainage and plenty of sunshine are essential for plants to survive cold damp winters. These plants are extremely trouble free when they just get enough sun and a chat every now and then!
Two butterflies mating on the lawn
With summer at its peak, the garden is also bursting with colour and greenery. Soon we'll be heading for cooler weather, already the Marigolds are almost all seeding, leaving their treasures for next year as they slowly die down, leaving empty patches as their dead bodies are lifted and thrown out. It amazes me that those seeds lie dormant for months and then, with the first spring rains, burst forth everywhere.
The chores seem never-ending during summer. Chrissie, my trusted gardener, seems permanently to be busy with cleaning up and fixing edges and pathways that the chickens seem to find irresistible as favourite scratching places.
Chrissie (and I) sharing a joke about something or another
The patio also needs attention
Chrissie's gardening shoes discarded in favour of bare feet on the cool grass
Thank you, Summer, for sharing your bounty with me, next year we'll do the same!
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