Origin
Erigeron bilboanus (Remy) Cabrera, also known as Bilbo's fleabane, is a species of flowering plant in the Asteraceae family. The plant is endemic to the Bilbao region of the Biscay province in Spain.
Common Names
Besides Bilbo's fleabane, Erigeron bilboanus is also known as "arrebiata" or "lumagorri" in the Basque language. It is sometimes referred to as Rocky Mountain Fleabane, Rocky Mountain Daisy, or Fleabane Daisy, which are common names shared with other species of the Erigeron genus.
Uses
Erigeron bilboanus is not widely used for medicinal or culinary purposes. However, it has few traditional uses in the Basque Country. The plant is sometimes used in traditional medicine to treat gynecological problems such as menstruation disorders or female sterility.
General Appearance
Erigeron bilboanus is a perennial herbaceous plant that grows up to 30 cm (12 in) in height. The plant has a basal rosette of leaves that are elliptical to spatulate in shape and covered with fine hairs. The stems of the plant are long and slender, with several branches and hairy leaves. Erigeron bilboanus produces white or pinkish-rayed daisy-like flowers that measure 1-2 cm (0.4-0.8 in) in diameter. The center of the flower is yellow, with numerous small yellow disk flowers. The plant blooms from May to July.
Light Requirements
Erigeron bilboanus grows best in full sun, which should be provided for at least six hours per day. Partial shade for the remaining hours of the day can be tolerated.
Temperature Requirements
Erigeron bilboanus is well-suited to a temperature range of 40°F to 90°F (4.4°C to 32.2°C). It is generally frost-tolerant but grows best in areas with an average temperature range of 60°F to 70°F (15.6°C to 21.1°C).
Soil Requirements
The soil for Erigeron bilboanus should be fertile and well-draining with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5. To ensure good drainage, the soil should be amended with compost or other organic matter. This species can also thrive in sandy or loamy soils, but it does not tolerate heavy or clay-rich soils.
Additionally, Erigeron bilboanus prefers a soil that is slightly acidic to neutral. The ideal soil depth should be at least six inches, but up to twelve inches is optimal. This will enable the plant's roots to spread out, which will support the growth of a larger and healthier plant.
Cultivation of Erigeron bilboanus (Remy) Cabrera
Erigeron bilboanus (Remy) Cabrera is an easy-to-grow plant that thrives in well-draining soil. It prefers full sun exposure and can tolerate partial shade.
To cultivate Erigeron bilboanus (Remy) Cabrera, choose a location with excellent drainage. You can add sand to the soil to improve drainage if necessary. You can also grow this plant in a container if your soil is not suitable for its growth.
Watering Needs of Erigeron bilboanus (Remy) Cabrera
Erigeron bilboanus (Remy) Cabrera has average water requirements. You should water it regularly, especially during the hot summer months. Water it enough to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
Make sure to water the plant at its base and avoid wetting its leaves to prevent the development of fungal diseases.
Fertilization of Erigeron bilboanus (Remy) Cabrera
Erigeron bilboanus (Remy) Cabrera benefits from regular fertilization using a balanced all-purpose fertilizer. If grown in a container, fertilize every two weeks during the growing season. If grown in the ground, fertilize every four to six weeks during the growing season.
You can also apply a slow-release fertilizer at the beginning of the growing season to provide the plant with nutrients gradually.
Pruning Erigeron bilboanus (Remy) Cabrera
Pruning Erigeron bilboanus (Remy) Cabrera is not mandatory, but it can help promote bushier growth and prevent the plant from becoming leggy. You can prune it back by removing its spent flowers and cutting back its stems by one-third of their length.
You can also prune the plant in the spring to remove any damaged or dead growth. This will encourage new growth and keep the plant looking healthy and vigorous.
Propagation of Erigeron bilboanus
Erigeron bilboaunus, commonly known as Bilbo's Fleabane, is a perennial herbaceous plant belonging to the Asteraceae family. Propagation of this plant is done using seeds or vegetative propagation through cuttings or division.
Propagation by seeds
The seeds of Erigeron bilboanus are easily collected from the seed heads which appear after the flowering season. The seeds should be stored in a cool and dry place for further propagation. The collected seeds can be sown in well-draining soil in spring or autumn. It is recommended to stratify the seeds before sowing by keeping them in the refrigerator for a few days. The seeds take around 15-20 days to germinate.
Propagation by cuttings
Vegetative propagation of this plant is possible through stem cuttings taken from healthy plants during the growing season. Cuttings of about 10 cm in length should be taken from the parent plant and planted in well-draining soil that is moist but not waterlogged. The cuttings should be covered with plastic bags, which helps to maintain high humidity levels. The cuttings will begin to root in about two to three weeks.
Propagation by division
Propagation by division involves dividing the parent plant into smaller sections by separating the roots. This method is usually done during the spring or autumn season when the plant is dormant. Each section should be planted in well-draining soil immediately after division, and kept moist to prevent wilting. The divided sections should be placed in a shaded area for a few weeks to allow new roots to establish before being moved to a sunny location.
Overall, Erigeron bilboanus is easy to propagate using either seeds, cuttings or division. With proper care, the plant can be grown successfully to provide a beautiful display of lovely flowers in the garden.
Disease Management
Erigeron bilboanus is generally a hardy plant with a few known diseases. Still, it is susceptible to some diseases that may affect its growth and productivity.
Leaf Spot Diseases: These diseases are caused by fungal infections, and they affect the leaves' appearance, leading to defoliation. To manage leaf spot diseases, remove the infected leaves and treat the plant with fungicides. Provide adequate air circulation by not overcrowding plants, practicing crop rotation, and avoiding water on the leaves.
Root Rots: This disease is caused by soil-borne pathogens that negatively affect the plant's roots, reducing its vigor. To manage root rots, practice good sanitation by discarding infected plants, use pasteurized soil, and good drainage to prevent waterlogged conditions. Also, water the plant thoroughly instead of frequent watering, and avoid overhead watering.
Pest Management
Erigeron bilboanus is relatively pest-resistant, but it is still susceptible to pest attacks. Here are common pests that may affect this plant and ways to manage them.
Aphids: These pests suck the sap from the leaves, leading to stunted growth and yellowing of leaves. To manage aphids, introduce natural predators or apply insecticidal soaps, Neem oil, or horticultural oils. Ensure that the plant has adequate nitrogen as aphids are attracted to weak plants.
Spider Mites: These pests cause yellowing, mottling, and webbing on the leaves. To manage spider mites, use insecticidal soaps, Neem oil, or horticultural oils to kill the pests. Also, introduce predators such as ladybugs, thrips, or predatory mites like Phytoseiulus persimilis.
Cutworms: These pests cut the stem of newly emerged plants at the soil level, leading to plant death. To manage cutworms, use physical barriers like cutworm collars or metallic foils around the plant's base to prevent them from reaching the stem. Also, practice crop rotation, till soil in fall to expose cutworm pupae, and apply Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt).
In conclusion, Erigeron bilboanus is generally a hardy plant that requires minimal disease and pest management practices. However, being vigilant and implementing preventive measures can help avoid potential problems, leading to healthier plants.
