'Profusion' Santa Barbara Daisy
Erigeron karvinskianus 'Profusion' is a low, trailing perennial that produces masses of small daisy-type flowers from late spring through the first hard frost. Each flower opens white and ages through pink to deep rose, so the plant carries multiple tones simultaneously. It suits wall tops, gaps in paving, container edges, and the fronts of raised beds.
The plant spreads by self-seeding and forms a loose, sprawling mound 6–12 inches tall. It performs best in lean, well-drained soil; fertile soil pushes foliage at the expense of flowering. Once established it is drought tolerant and largely self-sufficient. In zones 5–6 a light mulch over the crown improves winter survival. Where self-seeding is prolific, shearing before seeds ripen controls unwanted spread.
The genus name 'fleabane' reflects a documented historical association with dried Erigeron material used as an insect repellent, though this is a genus-level tradition and modern evidence for E. karvinskianus specifically is limited.
Powdery mildew
White or grey powdery coating on leaves - usually starting on older growth in humid conditions or when nights cool.
Improve air circulation by thinning plants. Apply neem oil or potassium bicarbonate spray at first sign. Avoid overhead watering.
Root rot
Plants wilt, yellow, and stunt even in moist soil; lower stems and roots turn brown, soft, and mushy and the plant may collapse. Most common in heavy, wet, or poorly drained ground.
Improve drainage and stop overwatering, and never plant too deep. Lift and destroy badly affected plants along with the soil around the roots. Grow in raised or free-draining beds to prevent it returning.
Fungal leaf spot
Brown or purplish spots on the leaves, often ringed with a yellow halo, that spread and merge in warm, humid, or wet weather; heavily spotted leaves yellow and drop early.
Pick off spotted leaves and clear fallen debris to remove overwintering spores. Improve air circulation by thinning, and water at the base so foliage dries quickly. If it persists, apply a copper- or sulfur-based fungicide at the first sign.