Showy Fleabane
Erigeron speciosus
Showy Fleabane (Erigeron speciosus) is a Colorado-native perennial suited to the Colorado Front Range. It matures to about 12–24 in tall and 12–18 in wide, needs low to medium water, and prefers full sun to partial shade. CO native; daisies with lavender rays and yellow centers; reliable pollinator plant.
Colorado nativeOn the CSU listlow to medium water12–24 in tall and 12–18 in wideXeric / water-wiseDeer-resistantToxic to dogs
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At a glance
- Botanical name
- Erigeron speciosus
- Type
- Perennial
- Mature size
- 12–24 in tall and 12–18 in wide
- Planting spacing
- ~13–18 in apart
- Bloom length
- Long (several weeks)
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 3–8
- Water needs
- low to medium water
- Sun
- Best in full sun; tolerates partial shade.
- Colorado native
- Yes
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Soil
- clay, loam, sandy
- Soil pH
- 6.5–8.0
- Hail tolerance
- high
- Wind tolerance
- high
- Salt tolerance
- moderate
- Firewise (defensible space)
- Zones 1–3 (can be planted near the house)
- Bloom color
- purple, pink
- Bloom time
- early summer, mid summer
- Pollinator value
- high
- Site uses
- Slopes & erosion control
Things to know before you plant
- Toxic to dogsConsidered toxic to dogs, so keep pets away from it and check with your vet.
Wildlife & ecology
- Pollinator value
- high
- Deer
- Generally deer-resistant
- Native ecoregion
- foothills, montane
Planting & establishment
Deep-water first season to establish, then minimal water needed.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Showy Fleabane good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes, Showy Fleabane is a well-suited perennial for Colorado's Front Range.
- What should I know before planting Showy Fleabane?
- The main things to know: Considered toxic to dogs, so keep pets away from it and check with your vet.
- How big does Showy Fleabane get?
- It matures to about 12–24 in tall and 12–18 in wide.
- How far apart do I plant Showy Fleabane?
- Space Showy Fleabane about 13 in apart for a faster, fuller bed, or up to 18 in apart for a looser planting.
- Is Showy Fleabane hardy on the Front Range?
- Showy Fleabane is hardy in USDA 3–8. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b–6a, so it is well within range.
- How much water does Showy Fleabane need?
- It needs low to medium water once established.
- Is Showy Fleabane safe for dogs?
- No. Showy Fleabane is considered toxic to dogs. Keep pets away and check with your vet.
- Is Showy Fleabane deer-resistant?
- Showy Fleabane is generally considered deer-resistant, though no plant is deer-proof when browse pressure is high.
- Is Showy Fleabane a good firewise plant near the house?
- Showy Fleabane is a lower-fuel choice suitable in defensible-space zones 1–3, it can be planted near the house when kept well irrigated and maintained. This is general suitability guidance based on CSU Extension firewise plant lists, not a guarantee that any plant won't burn, a well-irrigated, well-maintained plant is the goal. Follow CSU Extension defensible-space guidance and check with your local fire district before planting in the wildland-urban interface.
- How long does Showy Fleabane bloom?
- Showy Fleabane blooms for several weeks, a long-season performer on the Front Range. Bloom timing shifts a week or two with elevation and spring weather.
