Plant type

Daithi29

Hi there, 

Could you tell me what this is please, and if they can be planted straight into cracks, or should they be grown indoors and then planted out

Thanks

Dave

Borderline

They are Erigeron Glaucus. Reasonably hardy outside, but need very free draining soil in full sun. 

Daithi29

Great, thank you for confirming Borderline. Will definitely try and incorporate them next season 👍😁

Papi Jo

I confirm the ID, Erigeron glaucus / seaside fleabane

I've got them in the garden, and also its more common cousin Erigeron karvinskianus / Mexican fleabane. Here's a photo I recently posted on the Insects of the day thread, showing a small butterfly sucking the nectar of my Erigeron glaucus flowers. Actually, the colours are not quite right, that erigeron is more pinkish than mauve.

Daithi29

Thanks a mil for confirming Papi Jo. Are they just grown from seed or can they be cultivated at any stage?

Papi Jo

Erigeron karvinskianus / Mexican fleabane self-seeds easily. I don't know about Erigeron glaucus / seaside fleabane, I bought mine as plugs, but they are vigorous. 

dappledshade

Papi Jo said:

I confirm the ID, Erigeron glaucus / seaside fleabane

I've got them in the garden, and also its more common cousin Erigeron karvinskianus / Mexican fleabane. Here's a photo I recently posted on the Insects of the day thread, showing a small butterfly sucking the nectar of my Erigeron glaucus flowers. Actually, the colours are not quite right, that erigeron is more pinkish than mauve.

Amazing photo and plant! What is that beautiful insect?

Papi Jo

@dappledshade Thanks, it's a butterfly, six-spot burnet (Zygaena filipendulae) .