Species Robin's plantain
white flowers with yellow-brown center, white buds, light-green foliage and gray-green stem

Robin's plantain

Erigeron pulchellus

Robin's Plantain is an amazing native plant that is not only beautiful but also quite useful. It is wildflower of the daisy family that features cheerful yellow or white flowers with a bright yellow center. This plant is a great addition to any landscape as it is extremely drought tolerant and is ideal for dry, sunny environments. The flowers are also attractive to bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, making it great for the environment. They also have a medicinal use, as an infusion of its petals is known to be a powerful diuretic. Robin's Plantain truly has something to offer everyone.

Cycle:

Herbaceous Perennial

Watering:

Minimum

Propagation:

Seed Propagation,Division,Cutting

Hardiness Zone:

3 - 8

Flowers:

Pale violet rays with yellow center disk Flowers

Sun:

Full sun

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

watering

Robin's plantain prefers dry soil, so it should only be watered when the soil is completely dry. Water the plant deeply, giving it enough water to make the soil moist to a depth of 4-6 inches. Then allow the soil to completely dry out before watering again. This plant is drought tolerant and the frequency of watering should be adjusted to the climatic conditions. In areas with hot and dry summers, Robin's plantain may not need to be watered at all. In areas with more moderate temperatures/moisture levels, a watering every 10-14 days may be adequate.

sunlight

Robin's plantain (Erigeron pulchellus) prefers to grow in areas with full sun. They will grow and flower in less-than-full sun, but the flowers will be sparser. For maximum growth and flower production, it is ideal to place them in a spot that receives 8 or more hours of sunlight per day. Morning sun is best and late afternoon shade is preferred. During the summer months, plants will appreciate some relief from the harsher midday sun.

pruning

Robin's plantain should be pruned twice a year for optimum growth and health. In the early spring, before new growth starts, prune back the plant by 1-third to half its height. This will help to encourage bushy growth and reduce the chance of tall floppy plants. In late summer after the plant has finished flowering, prune back the plants again to maintain a desired shape and form. Remove any dead, diseased, or damaged stems during these times. Do not over-prune, as this may harm the health of your Robin's plantain.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Erigeron pulchellus typically starts flowering in April.

Hardiness Map