Bidens Ferulifolia – Beggartick

Plant some Bidens for last and fast late-summer colour pops in hanging baskets, window boxes, pots and flower beds!

In the olden days we planted Bidens ferulifolia (beggartick) on a whim and then forgot about it. Every now and again, this carefree perennial, with its ferny foliage and yellow daisy-like flowers sprawling all over, would surprise us, catching the eye and inducing an ‘ahh’. Being short-lived, although long-flowering from late spring to autumn, it tended to become leggy and sparse, suddenly disappearing without you even noticing.

But the old Bidens ferulifolia has been all spruced up with some very exciting novelty releases, and it can play an important part in a modern rewilding garden. These flowers attract nature’s little creatures, like butterflies and bees which will come flocking to the honey-scented blooms.

Main characteristics of Bidens

Bidens are compact and have mounded growth habits which makes them perfect for small spaces. The mature size not much bigger than 30 x 30cm.

They are carefree perennials (or annuals in cold climates) with deeply lobed, dark green ferny foliage and a willingness to bloom heartily, creating cushions of bright daisy-like flowers from now until winter strikes.

They do not like over-watering, so you don’t have to worry about water use.

Although perennial, Bidens ferulifolia should be replaced every year. It can be used as a colourful filler in mixed containers, is a good candidate for cheering hanging baskets, and makes a great groundcover in a mixed border.

Our top choices

‘Golden Empire’ – has extra-large, semi-double golden blooms.

‘Hot & Spicy’ – has vibrant orange and gold star-shaped flowers.

‘Electric White’ – is quite different, with bicoloured flowers in white with yellow eyes.

‘Bee Alive’ – has petal tips hued in fiery orange with bright yellow centres.

Bidens In A Nutshell

• Plant in full sun.
• Soil can be any type but well-draining.
• Requires regular water until established. A day or two without, will not cause harm.
• Compact growth, perfect for small spaces.
• Good for pollinators

What to plant them with

Now that we have your attention, you are maybe excited, and wondering which plants to team up with the pretty bidens we have recommended. Get the following in as good bed-mates for these super-happy bloomers. You can combine them in flowerbeds or containers.

Salvias – the purple or blue-flowered hybrids.

Heliotrope – extra blue to balance the yellows and the fiery ‘Hot & Spicy’.

Verbena – any colour will do the trick and they like the same conditions as all the others mentioned.