Seaside Daisy (Erigeron glaucus)

Seaside Daisy

Erigeron glaucus

Dainty daisy blooms carpet coastal dunes with soft purple and white. Low-growing perennial groundcover; common names: seaside daisy, beach fleabane.

Full sun
1–2/week
Beginner
🌱

Plant Needs

☀️
Sunlight Full sun to partial shade; tolerates coastal salt spray and windy conditions
💧
Watering Allow top 2–3 cm of soil to dry between waterings; drought-tolerant once established
🌡️
Temperature Hardy to 5°C; avoid prolonged frost; thrives in cool coastal temperatures
🔍

Characteristics

  • Leaf: Succulent, gray-green, spoon-shaped leaves with smooth or slightly toothed margins
  • Flower: Daisy-like composite blooms with purple, pink, or white ray florets and yellow disc centers
  • Stem: Slender, trailing stems that root at nodes to form dense mats
🛠️

Care Guide

Watering

Water regularly to establish; reduce frequency once roots are established

Fertilization

Light balanced feeding once monthly. Use diluted, low-nitrogen fertilizer to support bloom production without excessive foliage growth

Banana peel tea:Soak chopped banana peels in water for 3 days; strain and dilute 1:10 for root drench to enhance flower development
Pruning
  • Deadhead spent blooms regularly to encourage continuous flowering through the growing season
  • Trim back leggy stems in late summer to maintain a compact, dense growth habit
  • Remove any dead or damaged foliage to improve airflow and reduce disease risk
⚠️

Toxicity

Warning: this plant may be toxic.

Pets & Humans

Pets: ASPCA confirmed non-toxic; no harmful effects for cats

Humans: Non-toxic to humans; no known adverse effects from ingestion or contact

📖

Garden Uses & Culture

Culture: Symbolizes coastal resilience and adaptability to harsh growing conditions

Usage: Groundcover for coastal gardens, rockeries, and container edging; erosion control on dunes