Growing Blumea: A Lesser-Known Asian Wildflower
If you’re looking to add something a little different to your garden, you might want to consider blumea (Blumea lacera). This unassuming little wildflower from Asia won’t win any beauty contests, but it has its own quiet charm and some interesting qualities that make it worth a second look.
What is Blumea?
Blumea is a modest herbaceous plant that belongs to the sunflower family. Don’t expect the dramatic blooms of its more famous relatives though – this plant keeps things simple with small, pale yellow to white flowers that cluster together in delicate arrangements. The narrow leaves and unpretentious growth habit give it more of a wildflower meadow vibe than formal garden energy.
Where Does Blumea Come From?
This little plant calls tropical and subtropical Asia home, naturally growing across India, Southeast Asia, and parts of China. In its native habitat, it’s often found growing wild in open areas and disturbed soils, which gives you a clue about how easygoing it can be in the garden.
Why Grow Blumea in Your Garden?
Let’s be honest – blumea isn’t going to be the star of your flower border. But here’s why some gardeners are drawn to it:
- It’s incredibly low-maintenance once established
- The small flowers attract beneficial insects like bees and flies
- It has historical significance in traditional medicine
- Perfect for naturalistic or wild garden areas
- Self-seeds readily, so it can fill in gaps naturally
Growing Conditions and Care
If you decide to give blumea a try, you’ll find it’s refreshingly undemanding. This plant thrives in USDA zones 9-11, so it’s really only suitable for gardeners in the warmest parts of the country – think Florida, southern Texas, Hawaii, and southern California.
Blumea prefers:
- Full sun to partial shade
- Well-draining soil (it’s not picky about soil quality)
- Moderate moisture levels
- Warm temperatures year-round
Planting and Care Tips
Growing blumea is pretty straightforward. You can start it from seed, which is often the easiest approach since this plant isn’t commonly available at nurseries. Scatter seeds in spring after the last frost, and keep the soil lightly moist until germination occurs.
Once established, blumea is quite drought-tolerant and requires minimal care. It may self-seed in favorable conditions, so keep an eye on it if you prefer more controlled growth. Regular deadheading can prevent excessive self-seeding if that’s a concern.
Is Blumea Right for Your Garden?
Blumea works best in informal, naturalistic settings rather than formal landscaping. Consider it for:
- Wild or meadow gardens
- Traditional or medicinal plant collections
- Areas where you want low-maintenance ground cover
- Pollinator gardens in warm climates
Native Alternatives to Consider
Since blumea isn’t native to North America, you might also want to consider some native alternatives that offer similar benefits. Depending on your region, native wildflowers like wild bergamot, lanceleaf coreopsis, or various native asters can provide comparable low-maintenance beauty while supporting local ecosystems.
The Bottom Line
Blumea lacera isn’t going to revolutionize your garden, but it’s a pleasant, undemanding plant that can add subtle interest to naturalistic plantings in warm climates. If you’re drawn to plants with history and character rather than flashy blooms, and you live in the right climate zone, blumea might just find a happy home in your garden.
