Erigeron 'Profusion' (Mexican Daisy)

A charming spreading perennial with masses of small white daisy flowers that age to pink

Overview

Erigeron 'Profusion' is a delightful spreading perennial that brings cottage garden charm with its abundant display of small, daisy-like flowers. Also known as Mexican Daisy, Santa Barbara Daisy, or Fleabane, this adaptable plant produces countless white flowers that gracefully age to pink, creating a lovely two-tone effect throughout the flowering season. Erigeron karvinskianus (often sold as Erigeron karvinskianus 'Profusion) holds the prestigious RHS Award of Garden Merit. Its vigorous but non-invasive spreading habit makes it perfect for filling gaps, softening hard edges, and creating naturalistic carpets of flowers. The plant's exceptional drought tolerance and easy-going nature make it invaluable for low-maintenance gardens, Mediterranean schemes, and challenging locations where reliable flowering ground cover is essential.

Key Features

• Flowering Period: Late spring to first frost (May to October)

• Mature Size: 40cm tall,

• Spreading: to 40cm wide

• Growth Rate: Fast-growing, establishing quickly

• Hardiness: Hardy in the UK down to temperatures of - degrees Celcius (RHS hardiness rating H5)

• Soil Requirements: Well-draining soils, tolerates poor conditions

• Aspect: Full sun to partial shade

Flowers

The charming flowers begin white and gradually age to pink, creating a delightful two-tone carpet effect. Erigeron Profusion makes a good cut flower. The continuous succession of blooms from late spring until the first frost provides months of colour and attracts butterflies and beneficial insects to the garden.

Foliage

The plant forms low mounds of small, narrow, grey-green leaves that create an attractive textural backdrop for the profusion of flowers. The foliage remains semi-evergreen in mild winters, providing year-round structure. The leaves are small and unremarkable individually but collectively form an attractive carpet.

Growth Habit

Erigeron karvinskianus Profusion has an understated beauty as a groundcover that can easily spread non-invasively to 6ft wide in five years. The plant spreads through underground runners and self-seeding, creating natural drifts without becoming problematically invasive. It does seed around a bit but in this case it just means that you get to have more, and in this case more is a good thing.

Soil Requirements

Grows well in a wide range of conditions, from poor to fertile soils. They'll happily grow in anything from sandy soil to heavier clay, as long as it drains well. The plant thrives in well-drained soils and actually performs better in poor to moderate fertility rather than rich conditions. Excellent drainage is essential to prevent winter wet damage.

Light Requirements

It thrives in full sun, but will tolerate some shade. Grow erigeron in any well drained soil, in sun or partial shade for best performance. Full sun produces the most abundant flowering, though partial shade is tolerated, particularly in hot climates.

Watering Needs

It is drought tolerant, although it will produce a larger mound of foliage and flowers if it doesn't dry out for long periods in summer. Make sure the soil does not dry out in summer. Drought tolerant once established. Provide occasional watering during extended dry periods for optimal performance.

Planting

Plant from spring through early autumn in well-prepared, free-draining soil. Space plants 45-60cm apart to allow for natural spreading. Excellent for planting in crevices, between paving stones, on banks, or as ground cover. This is a great plant for use in pots and containers.

Maintenance

Most don't need deadheading. Cut back straggly stems at the end of the growing season. Very low-maintenance once established. The plant benefits from a light trim in early spring to maintain shape and encourage fresh growth. Self-seeds readily but seedlings are easily removed if unwanted.

Feeding

Minimal feeding required - the plant actually performs better in poor to moderate soil conditions. Fertilize: None or when necessary. Excessive feeding can reduce flowering and make the plant too vigorous.

Mediterranean Gardens

Excellent choice for beds and borders, Mediterranean gardens where its drought tolerance and naturalistic appearance complement gravel gardens and dry schemes perfectly.

Coastal Gardens

They are quite drought tolerant - a good plant for the seaside garden. It's copes well with pollution making it ideal for exposed coastal locations.

Wall and Paving Gardens

It is frequently grown in crevices in walls or paving, where it rapidly spreads to provide a carpet of flowers. Perfect for softening hard landscaping and creating naturalistic effects.

Ground Cover

Excellent for covering large areas with its spreading habit and continuous flowering. Creates beautiful carpets of two-tone flowers whilst requiring minimal maintenance.

Rock Gardens

You can mass them together towards the front of the border, put them into a rock garden where the well-drained conditions suit its requirements perfectly.

Companion Planting

Creates stunning combinations with other drought-tolerant plants such as lavender, rosemary, and salvias. Pairs beautifully with ornamental grasses and silver-leaved plants for Mediterranean schemes. Works well with other cottage garden perennials like catmint and hardy geraniums for naturalistic plantings.

Potential Issues

It's rarely affected by pests or disease. This plant can self-seed and become invasive if given rich soil and moderate water. The main considerations are preventing excessive self-seeding in rich conditions and ensuring good winter drainage to prevent root rot.

Seasonal Interest

• Spring: Fresh foliage emerges with early flower buds developing

• Late Spring/Summer: Abundant white flowers begin the spectacular display

• Summer: Peak flowering with flowers aging to pink, creating two-tone carpet effect

• Autumn: Continued flowering until first frost with attractive seed heads

• Winter: Semi-evergreen foliage provides structure in mild areas

Hardy Zones and Regional Suitability

• RHS Hardiness: Hardy in the UK down to temperatures of - degrees Celcius (RHS hardiness rating H5)

• Temperature Tolerance: Hardiness Degree: -20°F (-28.9°C)

• Regional Notes: This Mexican native is drought tolerant and it withstands cold and wet UK winters if its roots are well drained.

• Performance Notes: It's native to Mexico and Central America but grows well in dry, sunny spots in UK gardens.

Erigeron 'Profusion' represents exceptional value for gardeners seeking reliable, low-maintenance ground cover with extended flowering interest. Its charming white-to-pink flowers, drought tolerance, and easy-going nature make it perfect for challenging locations from coastal gardens to Mediterranean schemes. The plant's ability to spread naturally whilst remaining manageable, combined with its RHS Award of Garden Merit, ensures outstanding performance year after year, making it an invaluable addition to any garden seeking effortless colour and cottage garden charm.