Robin's plantain Interesting Notes

This outstanding form of Erigeron pulchellus was selected for its relatively large grey-green, pubescent foliage (4"), dense, mat-forming habit and astonishing ability to thrive in a wide range of challenging conditions. In early May, individual flower stalks give rise to lightly tinted lavender flowers with a yellow inner eye. Foliage remains less than 6" and forms a tight groundcover, while flowering stems top out at just over a foot tall. Originally found growing on the 27-acre property of Clarice Keeling of Virginia Beach, VA, 'Lynnhaven Carpet' was named after Virginia Beach’s Lynnhaven River by plantsman Charles Cresson. An easy to grow, carefree native perennial perfectly suited for moderate sunlight to full shade.

Erigeron pulchellus is commonly found in rocky woodlands, wooded sand dunes, slopes of wooded bluffs, savannas and sandy savannas, banks of streams, and clearings in wooded areas east of the Mississippi River. It is easily grown in full sun with adequate soil moisture to part shade in drier settings with a range of soil conditions. E. pulchellus tolerates heat and humidity and prefers leaner soils.

E. ‘Lynnhaven Carpet’ is one of our favorite groundcovers in the garden. We find that it tolerates a wide variety of sites and soil conditions and is easily divided by its side shoots. It’s extremely durable and attracts pollinators in the spring. While it does flower in May, what really attracts us is how it creates a downy groundcover that lasts all year and is a great, quiet edge to the front of a garden bed.

Erigeron pulchellus var. pulchellus 'Lynnhaven Carpet' Growing and Maintenance Tips

Best if grown in part shade. Will tolerate dry conditions when shaded, but it needs moist soil when planted in full sun.