Erigeron, Genus, pulchellus, Species,
- Genus & species
robin's-plantain
Overview
Erigeron pulchellus is a stoloniferous perennial in the aster family, native to eastern and central North America. Plants form low basal rosettes of soft-hairy, spoon-shaped leaves 2-5 inches (5-13 cm) long, spreading by surface runners into colonies 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) across. In spring, hairy flowering stems rise 10-24 inches (25-60 cm), each carrying one to several daisy-like heads 1-1.5 inches (2.5-4 cm) wide. Ray florets number 50-100 in pale lavender-blue, pink, or white, surrounding a flat yellow disk. The species grows in partial shade as well as full sun, in dry to medium soils including clay and rocky banks. It spreads by stolons, which can crowd smaller neighbors in rich, moist ground. Foliage is semi-evergreen in mild winters, persisting as a flattened rosette. Bloom lasts about six weeks from April to June, earlier than Symphyotrichum asters of the same family. After flowering, stems die back and the plant rests as basal foliage through summer. It is grown in native plant gardens, woodland edges, and as a flowering groundcover on slopes.
Native Range
Native to eastern and central North America, from Quebec and Ontario south to Georgia and Texas. It occurs in open woods, clearings, and rocky slopes.Suggested Uses
Used as a flowering groundcover on slopes, in woodland edges, and in native plant and pollinator gardens. Spaced 12-15 inches (30-38 cm) apart, plants knit into a continuous cover within two seasons. Suited to rock gardens and the front of borders where the low rosettes fill gaps.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height10" - 2'
Width/Spread1' - 1'6"
Bloom Information
Flowers open from April to June, lasting about six weeks. Plants bloom in their second year and after, with peak display in May across most of the range. A scattered second flush sometimes follows in autumn on stolon offsets.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Pale lavender-blue, pink, or white ray florets around a yellow diskFoliage Description
Green, soft-hairy, spoon-shaped basal leavesGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 4-8 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grows in average, well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade, tolerating dry clay and rocky banks once established. Water during the first season to establish; mature plants withstand short droughts. Stoloniferous spread forms a groundcover layer, so leave room between Erigeron pulchellus and lower-growing companions. Cut spent flowering stems back to the basal rosette after bloom to keep growth compact. No fertilizer is needed in average soil; rich ground increases spread and reduces flowering. Divide crowded colonies in early spring or autumn to renew vigor.Pruning
Shear or cut flowering stems to the basal rosette once bloom fades, usually in June. This prevents self-seeding and keeps the foliage low. No other pruning is required.Pruning Schedule
Prune: June
summer
Container Growing
Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 2 gallons
