Bidens 'Firelight'
This perennial dies back to below ground level each year in autumn, then fresh new growth appears again in spring.
- Position: full sun
- Soil: moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil or general-purpose compost for containers
- Rate of growth: average
- Flowering period: June to August
- Hardiness: half-hardy annual (will need protection from frost)
A proliferation of pink and white bicolour blooms with bright yellow eyes, rise above a cushion of fern-like green foliage. ‘Firelight’ froths and fumbles over the edges of pots, containers and hanging baskets, with fresh flowers appearing each day. This superb short-lived perennial, most commonly grown as an annual, offers months of colour and plenty of nectar for pollinating insects thoroughout the summer season.
Pot up ‘Firelight’ and grow on in frost-free conditions (i.e. a greenhouse or bright windowsill away from cenrtral heating radiators) before planting once the risk of frost has gone. Pinch out the growing tips while the plants are still small to encourage more stems and create shapely, compact plants that are perfect for containers. Once the plants are well grown, gradually acclimatise them to outdoor conditions over 7 to 10 days (moving outside during the day) prior to planting in their final positions. regular deadheading will prolong the flowering season - as will feeding with a high potash fertiliser from late spring to midsummer.