Erigeron

Though varying in size, they often form mounds of narrow, green leaves, topped with masses of small flowers with yellow centres. Petals range across the spectrum from white and pink to lavender, purple and blue, with a few in yellow or orange.

Erigeron thrive in well-drained soil and full sun but tolerate partial shade. Once established, they are drought-tolerant and well-suited to dry, poor soils and coastal gardens. Some, like the Mexican fleabane (Erigeron karvinskianus), spread naturally into cracks in paving or walls.

They dislike heavy, poorly drained soils and overly rich conditions, which can lead to root rot or leggy growth. Wet winters without good drainage can damage the roots.

The name fleabane comes from the old belief that dried Erigeron leaves could repel fleas. However, with their flat, open flowers many species are definitely attractive to pollinators.