Spanish needles (Bidens bipinnata)
Care, watering, light and tips for Spanish needles on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Asteraceae
- Difficulty: Easy to care for
- Watering: every 3 days
- Light: Full sun
- Temperature: 0–35 °C
About Spanish needles
Bidens bipinnata, commonly known as Fiederblättriger Zweizahn, is an annual herb belonging to the Asteraceae family, characterized by its finely divided leaves and small yellow flowers with darker centers. It grows wild in many temperate regions and can be a charming, naturalistic addition to cottage gardens or meadows. Its flowers attract pollinators, bringing life and movement to the space.
Native range
North and South America
Care tips
This plant thrives in full sun for optimal growth and abundant flowering, though it tolerates some partial shade. Watering should be moderate, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings, as it does not tolerate waterlogging. It adapts to a wide variety of soils, provided they have good drainage. A common mistake is planting it in very heavy, poorly draining soils, which can lead to root rot.