Also known as Crownbeard · 21 saves

Verbesina

Verbesina, the genus most gardeners know as crownbeard. We track 3 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.

3 varieties1 speciesZones 7–10Mostly full sun

The 3 most-saved Verbesina varieties

Species of Verbesina

Each one is a parent of the varieties above.

Track your Verbesina in Sow

Save the Verbesina you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.

How to grow Verbesina

Whats common across all Verbesina varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 3 most-grown of them.

The Verbesina year

  • PlantApril67% of varieties

    Plant or transplant divisions in early spring

  • StakeMay67% of varieties

    Install stakes early in the season to support tall stems

  • DivideMarch67% of varieties

    Divide clumps every 3-4 years to maintain vigor

  • Spring CleanupFebruary67% of varieties

    Cut back dead stems to the ground before new growth appears

Do

  • Water consistently during dry periods 🌱
  • Deadhead to encourage more blooms
  • Apply a balanced fertilizer in spring
  • Water regularly during dry spells 🌱
  • Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms

Avoid

  • Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
  • Don’t plant in overly shady areas
  • Refrain from heavy pruning in late fall
  • Overwater, which can lead to root rot ❌

What goes wrong with Verbesina

ProblemWhat you'll seeWhat to do
AphidsSticky residue and distorted leavesUse insecticidal soap or neem oil
Spider mitesFine webbing on foliage, speckled leavesSpray with water and apply insecticidal soap
Powdery mildewWhite powder on leavesApply fungicide or improve air circulation
Root rotWilting and yellowing leaves, soggy rootsEnsure proper drainage and reduce watering

Making more Verbesina

Seed

  1. Tuck seeds into moist soil in early spring.
  2. Germinate in 2 weeks, keep soil moist for best results.

Division

  1. Divide mature plants in early spring or fall.
  2. Replant divisions immediately into prepared soil.

Verbesina questions

How many types of Verbesina are there?

The Sow catalog tracks 3 distinct Verbesina varieties. The most popular — ranked by 21 real gardeners — are shown first above.

What zones does Verbesina grow in?

Across its varieties, Verbesina covers USDA Zones 7–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.

When does Verbesina bloom?

Most Verbesina varieties bloom in late summer to fall, spring to fall, mid-summer. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.

Which Verbesina should I choose?

Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.

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