Plant library · Annual Flowers
Bidens ferulifolia
Bidens is a vigorous, low annual that carries golden daisy flowers over ferny foliage from late spring into fall. Its trailing habit creates a soft, outward-moving edge rather than a vertical accent, reaching about 1 foot tall and 18 inches wide. Use it where a planting needs to flow over a container rim, soften a sunny border edge, or knit together the front of a bed without blocking views behind it.
Set Bidens at the outer edge of a sunny bed, beside a patio, or in containers where its stems can spill freely. Keep it clear of narrow paths and steps: the 18-inch spread can lean into circulation space as the season advances. In a mixed border, place it in front of taller plants and allow its flowering layer to overlap the bed edge rather than crowding upright neighbors. It also suits hanging baskets and large containers with room for cascading growth.[1]
Plant on 12-inch centers for a continuous, low planting band, while allowing for an eventual spread of about 18 inches per plant. In a single row along an edge, keep the plant centers about 6 to 9 inches back from the path or container rim so trailing stems can soften the boundary without taking over the walking surface. For a fuller mass, repeat the spacing in staggered rows.
Give Bidens a full-sun position and moderate water. Reserve it for open sites that receive direct light, especially along exposed borders and sunny container groupings. In a planter, leave enough soil surface around each plant for watering rather than packing the crown tightly against larger companions. Well-drained soil or potting mix keeps the planting layout practical for regular irrigation.[1]
This annual occupies its space from late spring through fall, so treat it as a long-season edging or container component rather than a permanent framework plant. Its low canopy remains useful while taller summer flowers rise behind it. Leave a clear route for replacement planting after the season ends, particularly in tightly designed container displays or narrow border strips.
The trailing form is its main planning consideration. It can blur a crisp bed line or conceal the edge of a low container if planted directly at the boundary, so position the root zone slightly inward and let stems extend outward intentionally. Avoid using it as the only plant defining a path edge; a firmer edging material or more upright plant can preserve the line of travel.
Editorial content updated 2026-07-20.