New to our Sunnyvale garden for 2020 are Seaside Daisies (Erigeron glaucus). Also known as beach aster or beach daisy, seaside daisy plants are flowering California native perennial that grow wild along the Pacific Coast, from Southern California north to Oregon and Washington. This tough little plant is found in rugged environments such as coastal scrub and sand dunes.
Seaside daisies are low-growing plants of 6 to 10 inches tall, with a spread of 1 to 2 feet. This evergreen perennial consists of glossy, grayish (hence the name glaucus) -green foliage. Attractive blooms with ice blue, daisy-like petals (sometimes with a lavender or pink tint) surrounding a large, bright yellow center. Seaside daisy plants are durable, but they don’t tolerate extreme cold. This plant is suitable for growing in USDA plant hardiness zones 8 through 10. In mild climates, seaside daisies may bloom well into winter.
Seaside daisies prefer well-draining soil and full sun, but the plants will tolerate light shade, especially in hot climates. The plant is well suited for xeriscaping, and also works well in rock gardens, borders, flower beds, in containers and on slopes. Seaside daisy is highly attractive to butterflies and the colorful visitors love the long growing season.
Seaside daisy care isn’t complicated, but it’s important to locate seaside daisy where the plants are protected from afternoon sunlight, as the intense heat will scorch the plant. Otherwise, just water the plant about once a week during dry weather. A 3-inch layer of mulch keeps the soil cool and moist. Deadhead wilted blooms regularly to encourage continued blooming and to keep the plant tidy. Trim the plant down if it looks leggy in late summer; you’ll be rewarded with a rejuvenated plant and another flush of colorful blooms.
Seaside daisy plants are easily propagated by stem cuttings, or by dividing the plants in early spring.
We purchased our seaside daisies from Yamagami Nursery in San Jose.
