Erigeron karvinskianus: the alternative lawn for difficult gardens

It looks like a daisy, but it isn't. It has white-pink flowers and an incredible growth vigour. We are talking about Erigeron karvinskianus, a perennial groundcover that is perfect for gardens with difficult soils. It is also known as mountain daisy and belongs to the Asteraceae family, the same family as the common daisy and chamomile.

The flowering of this alternative lawn covers the ground for much of the year, from April to October, allowing for a beautiful and colourful garden throughout several seasons, especially if planted in areas with a mild climate. Its countless qualities are not limited to its appearance; in fact, it proves to be the perfect lawn for many challenging gardens.

1. Characteristics of Erigeron karvinskianus
2. Planting and maintenance of Erigeron karvinskianus
3. Low-water-use lawn combinations

Characteristics of Erigeron karvinskianus

Erigeron karvinskianus is a perennial groundcover, but it behaves as an evergreen in the milder areas of our country. It is, in fact, a plant native to Mexico that loves warm climates and, at temperatures a few degrees below zero, will tend to go into dormancy. However, if the temperature does not drop below -10°C, there is no need to worry, as it will return like new in spring.

Erigeron is also known as wall daisy, as it often sprouts from the crevices of dry stone walls. This characteristic is due to its ability to grow even in the most challenging conditions and in difficult soils, thanks also to its very rapid growth. Each plant can potentially cover the ground up to a radius of 40 centimetres! It is precisely its tenacity and robustness that make it perfect for the most difficult gardens, and therefore, it is the ideal choice for all those soils where other plants fail to take root.

Planting and maintenance of Erigeron karvinskianus

Where to plant Erigeron karvinskianus?

Erigeron karvinskianus adapts well to soils exposed to full sun as well as those in partial shade, provided there is a mild climate. It loves light and well-drained soils, but also grows without problems in calcareous soils. If you intend to position this plant at the foot of a tree, it is important to ensure that it is tall enough to leave the right amount of light for the Erigeron, so that the shade does not prevent moisture from evaporating, damaging the lawn.

When to plant Erigeron karvinskianus?

In its first year of life and, above all, in the period immediately following planting, Erigeron karvinskianus plants need a more frequent and abundant watering regime. For this reason, the ideal time to plant Erigeron karvinskianus is autumn, which allows you to take advantage of natural irrigation from rainfall and not use large amounts of water resources. Spring is also a good time, provided you plan for a few extra waterings during the first summer, to support the plants during the establishment phase.

What are the stages of planting and subsequent maintenance?

For an optimal result achieved quickly, between 8 and 12 months, a planting density of 10 plants per square metre is recommended, which will allow Erigeron karvinskianus to close uniformly within a year.

During the establishment phase , the Erigeron karvinskianus lawn will need to be watered a little more often, not allowing the soil near the young roots to dry out too much. The watering frequency during this first phase should be assessed independently, depending on the soil and climatic conditions.

Once the lawn's first year of life has passed, watering can be limited to one (maximum two) time(s) a year, provided they are very abundant. As for the maintenance of Erigeron karvinskianus, however, our advice is to perform 1 maximum 2 cuttings per year.

Low-water-use lawn combinations with Erigeron karvinskianus

Thanks to its characteristic adaptability and its very colourful flowers present for much of the year, Erigeron karvinskianus proves extremely versatile in combinations with other low-water-use groundcovers. It is always important to remember that a mixed lawn, created with different varieties, is naturally more resistant and healthy and enriches the soil considerably compared to a monocultural cultivation. Here are our tips on the best combinations with Erigeron karvinskianus.

Erigeron karvinskianus + Verbena hybrida

A combination with a cheerful and varied colour palette thanks to the pairing of the two striking and unique flowers.

Erigeron karvinskianus + Achillea crithmifolia

A mix with unusual contrasts for an eccentric and original lawn.

To buy Erigeron karvinskianus and discover all its characteristics, visit our shop.