Erigeron

harmony

Hi, I bought 3 of these Erigeron plug plants last year June/July time and planted them in a dappled shade area. They didn't do much and have only just started sprouting lately (one seems to have passed lol). I have carefully popped them into small plastic pots temporarily cos ive filled the space with some bedding for now (hate gaps). Need advice on what to do next I really want these to grow . Thanks

Fire

I think they generally like lots of sun and quite sandy / alkaline soil. Check the root system. They may well have filled the pot. I've heard they are quite hard to grow straight (intentionally) from seed or plugs. I remember Carol Klein saying that. If you really want some this summer, it might be better to buy some large plants, while you wait for the tiddlers to hit their stride.

Borderline

What type of Erigerons are they? Is it Mexican Fleabane, Karvinskianus? If so, they don't need excessive wet heavy soil, but just free draining soil in sun. Add some grit into the soil and place into a sunny area to see how they go, they do far better in full sun rather than dappled shade.

harmony

Yes its Mexican Fleabane, thanks for the info I will find a sunny spot somewhere, I might have to dig a bit of lawn out cos sunny side border is pretty full. Would you feed or not? I seem to think I read it doesn't like rich soil..

Borderline

I don't recommend feeding them at all. I have some in pots and don't even water them. Just make sure the soil is free draining and they hopefully will start to grow once there is sun and warmth. 

hogweed

Mine didn't make it through a Scottish winter. Bought new plants this year and put them in a pot so will take that into the greenhouse this winter.