Wedelia (Sphagneticola trilobata), also called creeping daisy, is a tough, fast-spreading ground cover with glossy green lobed leaves and cheerful daisy-like yellow flowers borne almost year-round. It quickly forms a dense mat that suppresses weeds, controls soil erosion on slopes and embankments, and tolerates heat, salt, and poor soils. Reaching 15-30 cm tall, it roots wherever stems touch the ground, making it excellent for covering large areas fast. While extremely easy and rewarding, it can be aggressive, so it is best where its vigour is welcome. It flowers prolifically through India's warm seasons with minimal care.
Specifications
| Family |
Asteraceae |
| Native region |
Central and South America |
| Mature height |
15-30 cm |
| Mature spread |
Spreading, indefinite |
| Growth rate |
Fast |
| Foliage |
Glossy green lobed leaves |
| Flower colour |
Bright yellow |
| Flower season |
Year-round in warm climates |
| Climate zone |
Tropical to subtropical |
Care guide
| Sunlight |
Full sun to part shade |
| Watering |
Moderate; drought-tolerant once established |
| Soil / mix |
Tolerates most soils including poor and sandy |
| Temperature |
18-38C; frost-sensitive |
| Humidity |
Adapts to all levels |
| Fertilizer |
Minimal; light feed boosts flowering |
| Pruning |
Trim to control spread and keep tidy |
| Repotting |
Not usually needed; divide as required |
| Propagation |
Stem cuttings and division root easily |
| Pests & problems |
Largely pest-free |
| Toxicity / safety |
Mildly toxic if ingested in quantity |
| Difficulty |
Very easy |
Uses
Ideal as fast ground cover for slopes, embankments, and large areas needing erosion control and continuous yellow bloom with minimal upkeep.
Growing tips
In India plant in sun for maximum flowering and trim edges regularly to keep its vigorous spread in check, especially near garden beds.