Species Spanish Needles
a yellow flower with green leaves and light-green stem

Spanish Needles

Bidens bipinnata

Spanish Needles (Bidens bipinnata) is an annual flowering plant native to North, Central, and South America. It has simple, leathery leaves up to four inches long and yellow, daisy-like flowers with yellow petals and numerous whisker-like ray petals. The flower heads produce two-tailed achenes that resemble tiny sewing needles, hence its name. It grows in sunny areas where the soil is moist and well-drained, and can be used to add a splash of bright color to any landscape. Spanish Needles is hardy and fast-spreading, making it an ideal choice for gardeners who want quick blooms.

Watering:

Minimal

Propagation:

Seed Propagation,Division,Cutting,Layering Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

Sun:

full sun,part shade

Growth Rate:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Thorny:

Yes

Invasive:

Yes

watering

Spanish Needles prefer moist soils, but they are surprisingly drought tolerant once established. Water the plant at least twice a week during its first growing season. Make sure to water the soil until it’s fully moist. As plants become established, they will need less frequent watering. It’s important to make sure the soil never dries out completely. During summer, Spanish Needles should be watered once every week or 2. In winter, the plants should be watered on an as-needed basis.

sunlight

Spanish Needles (Bidens bipinnata) should ideally receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight every day in order to thrive. If grown in a shaded area, it will not grow as large, have as many flowers, or have as much foliage. Too much direct sunlight, especially during the heat of the day, can cause the plant to become dry and will cause its leaves to yellow and drop off. It is best to keep this plant in a spot that has morning sun, but is shaded in the late afternoon.

pruning

Spanish Needles should be pruned when they start to look overgrown or before they start to set flowers, typically in mid-spring. Prune the plant back to about 1-third of its size by cutting back stems that have become leggy or woody. Remove all dead or damaged branches. Pruning will help keep Spanish Needles looking tidy and promote new growth.