Erigeron glaucus Cape Sebastian

Identification

Description

A beautiful perennial for small gardens, borders, or butterfly gardens. Well liked by many types of butterflies that are native along the coast. Part-shade or afternoon shade inland, full sun near coast. Bolts with summer heat regularly above 105 F. Erigeron glaucus 'Cape Sebastian' has survived snow and 15*F, to 115*F in summer. Loves clay, tolerates sand. The straight species and all its clones, are hardy to about 14*F. They are 1' X 2' perennials with lavender daisy-like flowers. They grow on coastal bluffs from Cambria north to Oregon. In the San Simeon area it grows in sand to red clay to adobe. They need to be cut back to the ground every 2-3 years. If you live where the summer temperatures regularly do not exceed 100*F the straight species is fine. 'Cape Sebastian' will also grow overhanging ocean bluffs. In a planting in Cambria, Erigeron glaucus X(?)'Arthur Menzies', Erigeron glaucus X 'Wayne Roderick', Erigeron 'Cape Sebastian', and site-specific Erigeron glaucus plants were planted. All survived with mulch and no water. The deer would not allow even one leaf of the 'Arthur Menzies' to see sunlight before they ate it, the mulch was pulled back to expose the leaves, but the 'Wayne Roderick' and the other cultivars were not touched. Even the flowers were not browsed. Erigeron glaucus 'Cape Sebastian' is adored by butterflies for its nectar!