Romerillo: A Delicate Wildflower with Tiny White Blooms
Meet romerillo (Bidens alba var. radiata), a charming little wildflower that might just surprise you with its understated beauty and easy-going nature. Also known as beggartick or Spanish needle, this delicate annual has been quietly making itself at home in gardens and wild spaces across much of the United States.
What Makes Romerillo Special?
Don’t let its small size fool you – romerillo packs a punch when it comes to garden appeal. This dainty plant produces clusters of small, white daisy-like flowers with sunny yellow centers that seem to dance in the breeze. Each bloom is only about half an inch across, but what they lack in size, they make up for in abundance and charm.
The flowers appear throughout the growing season, creating a cloud-like effect that works beautifully as a filler plant or naturalized ground cover. It’s the kind of plant that adds a wild, cottage garden feel to any landscape.
Where Does Romerillo Call Home?
Romerillo has a somewhat complex relationship with different regions. It’s considered native to the lower 48 states, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Navassa Island. However, it’s been introduced to Hawaii and other Pacific Basin locations, where it now reproduces on its own in the wild.
Currently, you can find romerillo growing in Alabama, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Missouri, New Mexico, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Guam, Puerto Rico, U.S. Minor Outlying Islands, Virgin Islands, and Navassa Island.
Should You Grow Romerillo?
Whether romerillo is right for your garden depends on your location and gardening goals. Here are some things to consider:
The Pros
- Pollinator magnet: Bees, butterflies, and other small pollinators absolutely love the tiny flowers
- Low maintenance: This is definitely a plant it and forget it kind of flower
- Drought tolerant: Once established, it can handle dry spells like a champ
- Extended blooming: Flowers appear throughout the growing season
- Naturalized look: Perfect for wildflower gardens and informal landscapes
Things to Keep in Mind
- Self-seeding: This annual readily drops seeds and can spread on its own
- Variable native status: Check whether it’s native to your specific region
- Small flowers: If you prefer bold, showy blooms, this might not be your cup of tea
How to Grow Romerillo Successfully
The beauty of romerillo lies in its simplicity. This adaptable annual is forgiving and easy to please, making it perfect for beginning gardeners or anyone who wants beautiful results without a lot of fuss.
Growing Conditions
- Light: Full sun to partial shade (though it blooms best with plenty of sunshine)
- Soil: Tolerates various soil types, from sandy to clay
- Water: Drought tolerant once established, but appreciates occasional watering during dry spells
- Climate: Thrives in USDA hardiness zones 8-11
Planting and Care Tips
- Timing: Sow seeds in spring after the last frost date
- Spacing: Allow about 6-12 inches between plants for good air circulation
- Maintenance: Minimal care needed – just water during extended dry periods
- Deadheading: Remove spent flowers to encourage continued blooming, or leave them for self-seeding
- Fertilizing: Generally unnecessary – this plant thrives in average garden conditions
Perfect Garden Partners
Romerillo works beautifully in informal garden settings where its delicate texture can shine. Consider using it in:
- Butterfly and pollinator gardens
- Wildflower meadows
- Cottage garden borders
- Naturalized areas
- As a filler plant among bolder perennials
The Bottom Line
Romerillo is one of those unassuming plants that quietly does its job while supporting local pollinators and adding subtle beauty to the garden. Its easy-care nature and extended blooming period make it a valuable addition to informal landscapes, especially if you’re looking to create habitat for beneficial insects.
If you’re gardening in an area where romerillo isn’t native, consider complementing it with native alternatives that provide similar benefits for local wildlife. Either way, this charming little annual is sure to bring a touch of wild beauty to your outdoor space.
