Bidens

Once upon a time I spotted a pretty pink daisy-like flower and had to have it. I was told it was Bidens. I googled it and came up with Cobbler’s pegs/Farmer’s friends. You know, that weed that has seeds like little needles that latch on for a free ride to a new destination - which probably resulted in a good telling off from your mother if that free ride was your socks. After a little further investigation I found that Bidens ferulifolia is a popular little bedding plant in the daisy family (Asteraceae). Originally it came in golden yellow colours, but breeders have gotten stuck in and a beautiful pink and white variety is now available.

Bidens pilosa is the common weed. If you look at the flower you can definitely see the similarity and in fact, I actually think they’re just as pretty! It’s a weed that doesn’t particularly like dry sandy soil (a.k.a mine), so I’ve never had them on our block. But previously I’ve been super excited (nerdy I know) to see a few had made their way in. My soil improvement is obviously going well! I enjoy them for a while but rip them out before they seed - I don’t need THAT many.

On the other hand I’d love for my B. ferulifolia to self seed everywhere! I’ve been told it’s sterile and only propagated vegetatively (through cuttings) but I’ve just found that what I thought was another weed, is actually (I think) a self seeded plant! Only it’s reverted to a white form, with just a remnant blush of pink.

Salvias

Chinese Lanterns