By Jeff Oster, UC Master Gardener of Butte County, October 19, 2018

Two weeks ago in this column, we introduced a few of the most common ornamental plants in the Asteraceae family. Plants in this family are also called composites (Compositae) because they have composite flower heads made up of a central disk of tiny flowers without petals, surrounded by ray flowers that do have petals (so each “flower” head is actually composed of multiple flowers). The following are some less common composites that do well in our environment.

Echinacea is a tough perennial with brownish orange dome-shaped centers. E. purpurea (purple coneflower) can reach four or more feet in height and form a dense clump two feet wide. The four-inch flowers have purple ray flowers (petals) that droop downward. Situated in sun or part shade, these plants have a long blooming period, from June through August. They require well-drained soil and moderate to regular watering. Coneflowers require little in the way of maintenance other than dividing when they become overcrowded (about every four years). When dividing and re-planting, make sure each division has a shoot and roots. Coneflowers are self-seeders, and will multiply if happy. They attract bees, birds and butterflies; if the flowers are left on the plants, their bristly seed heads provide birds with food during the winter. Deer will eat the young plants but generally avoid mature ones. Coneflowers make good cut flowers and can be dried and preserved.

Tagetes lucida (Mexican marigold). These are carefree and easy to grow perennials, reaching three feet tall by one and one-half feet wide in full sun or partial shade. Mexican marigold needs well-drained soil and is fairly drought tolerant. The yellow flowers provide color in the late summer garden, blooming from August into September. Bloom time can be extended by deadheading. A hard freeze will kill Mexican marigold to the ground, but it will come back in spring. Propagate from stem cuttings or root divisions.

The edible flowers of Mexican marigold can be added to salads; the narrow, dark-green leaves have a strong scent and can be used as a substitute for tarragon; and the dried leaves and flower heads can be used to brew a pleasant anise-flavored tea. This plant attracts butterflies, bees, and birds to the garden, and is generally not bothered by pests.

Grindelia camporum (gumweed) is a yellow-flowering native known as Great Valley gumplant or gumweed because the flower heads and leaves are coated with a sticky residue created by the plant. It is a gangly perennial up to six feet tall, but dies back in the winter to a basal rosette of leaves. It flowers from May to late October or early November, providing color and wildlife food through the summer and autumn months. It likes full sun, and will grow in salty, alkaline, or clay soil. Gumplant is great for a dry border, or to create meadow-like drifts in an informal (wild) garden. Propagation is easiest from seed. Gumplant is a traditional Native American medicinal plant and a major bird and insect magnet. It tolerates deer.

Helianthus maximiliani is a sunflower. It is native to the central and southwestern United States, and is therefore well-suited to our dry climate. It is a persistent rhizome-forming perennial which forms clumps three-feet wide and can reach a height of up to ten feet in a garden. The yellow three-inch wide flowers appear in late summer and bloom until mid-autumn. It thrives in well-drained soil and bright sunshine.

Apply one inch of water every week during spring and summer to the base of the plant. Pinch one inch from stem tips to promote bushy growth and flower production throughout the season. Stake tall plants to keep the clump upright. Cut back after flowering. Propagate from rhizomes or seeds. The flowers of Helianthus maximiliani can be cut to bring inside; they also dry well. Young growth on these plants is attractive to slugs, but rabbits and deer steer clear. Native Americans traditionally utilized these plants for food, dye, oil, thread, and to repel mosquitoes. Butterflies and bees gather the pollen and songbirds love the abundant seeds.

PLANT SALE – Saturday, October 27, 10am to 2pm, Rain or Shine!

The UC Master Gardeners of Butte County are holding a Plant Sale on October 27 at their Demonstration Garden at Patrick Ranch (10381 Midway, Durham). All plants have been propagated by UC Master Gardeners of Butte County and selected to thrive in our climate. Check or cash only—no credit cards. For more information on the Plant Sale, including Workshops beginning that day at 9 am and a list of plants for sale, go to https://ucanr.edu/sites/bcmg/sale/

HOTLINE – Questions? Plant problems? Pest Issues? Contact the UC Master Gardeners of Butte County by phoning our Hotline (530-538-7201), or visit our web page at: http://ucanr.edu/sites/bcmg/