perennialN. America Native

Philadelphia Fleabane

Erigeron philadelphicus

The Story

Plant Bio

Erigeron philadelphicus, the Philadelphia fleabane, is an upright, clump-forming herbaceous biennial or short-lived perennial native to North America. The plant develops downy, branching stems clad in spatula-shaped basal leaves and clasping upper foliage.

This species produces daisy-like flower heads up to one inch across, featuring a dense fringe of 100 to 150 exceptionally thin, thread-like ray florets surrounding a yellow central disc. The blooms range from pale pink to white or light magenta, appearing from spring into early summer to attract native bees and hummingbirds.

Uses & Benefits:

Produces dense flushes of delicate, daisy-like pink or white flowers with fine, thread-like petals and yellow centers.

Functions as an easy-to-grow, low-maintenance native ground cover or border plant that thrives with minimal fertilizer.

Provides vital early-season nectar for native bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, and serves as a larval host for the Northern Metalmark butterfly.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

30"

Width

18"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Medium

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Biennial or short-lived perennial

Native To

North America

Toxicity

Non-toxic (may cause mild skin irritation)

Bloom period

Spring – Early summer

In flower about 4 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun to partial shade with average, well-drained soil.
Amend heavy or compacted soils with organic matter to ensure excellent drainage and prevent root rot.
Space plants 12 to 18 inches apart to allow adequate air circulation and minimize fungal issues.
Water regularly during the active spring growth phase, reducing frequency once the root system is established.

Pro Tip

Plant in average, well-drained soil; heavy, waterlogged clay combined with cold winter wet causes rapid crown rot and plant die-off.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Shear plants back to the basal rosette after flowering to prevent aggressive self-seeding.
Ensure excellent soil drainage to protect the crown from winter rot.
Provide light afternoon shade if planting in hot summer climates.

Don't

Do not apply heavy fertilizer, which causes weak, leggy stems.
Do not plant in heavy, waterlogged clay soils.
Do not prune heavily into old, dead, leafless woody stems.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Deadhead
Pest Check
Propagate
Spring Cleanup

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Native Wildflower GardensPollinator BordersCottage GardensNaturalized Meadows

Companion Plants

Symphyotrichum novae-angliae

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Philadelphia Fleabane questions

What zones can Philadelphia Fleabane grow in?

Philadelphia Fleabane is hardy in USDA Zones 4–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Philadelphia Fleabane deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Philadelphia Fleabane, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Philadelphia Fleabane bloom?

Philadelphia Fleabane typically blooms in spring through early summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Philadelphia Fleabane need full sun?

Philadelphia Fleabane does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Philadelphia Fleabane drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Philadelphia Fleabane handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.