Zexmenia, Hairy Wedelia, Acapulco Wedelia, Texas Creeping Oxeye, Devil's River, Wedelia Texana

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Common Name: Zexmenia, Hairy Wedelia, Acapulco Wedelia, Texas Creeping Oxeye, Devil’s River, Wedelia Texana

Botanical Name: Wedelia acapulcensis var. hispida

Category: Perennial

Lifecycle: Perennial

USDA Symbol: WEACH

Hardiness Zones: 7A – 11B

Sun: Full Sun (6+ hours of sun per day) , Partial shade (2-4 hours of sun per day)

Water: Low

Soil: Adaptable

pH: Slightly Acidic (6.1-6.5)

Height: 2 to 3 ft

Spread: 2 to 3 ft

Spacing: 2 to 3 ft

Growth Rate: Rapid

Bloom Time: Spring, Summer, Fall

Bloom Color(s): Yellow, Orange

Leaf Shape: Lyrate

Leaf Arrangement: Whorled

Leaf Retention: Semi-Evergreen

Fruit: Showy

Fruit Time: Summer

Miscellaneous: Tolerates poor soil, Wildflower

Plant Description:

Profusely covered with spectacular, yellow-orange, daisy-like flowers, ‘Zexmenia’ provides beautiful, long-lasting color to landscapes throughout the spring and fall. The brilliant daisy flowers rise above an erect mound of bushy, grayish-green, coarsely-textured foliage, which reaches an average height and width of two to three feet. Most-attractive when mass-planted into sunny borders, meadows, or xeriscapes, the plant will quickly spread to create a dense blanket of blooms. Due to its care-free nature, adaptability, and tolerance to both extreme heat and cold, the long-flowering ‘Zexmenia’ is often referred to as “the miracle plant.” Perennial within USDA hardiness zones 7-11, this plant provides an important source of nourishment for a variety of beneficial pollinators and songbirds. Native to Texas and Mexico, the plant is specifically a larval host for the ‘Bordered Patch’, the ‘Sierran Metalmark,’ and the ‘Lacinia Patch’ butterflies. The botanical name, “Wedlia” honors Georg Wolfgang Wedel, who was a renowned professor of botany in the 18th century, and the term “hispida” refers to the coarse, hairy stems of the plant.

Propagation & Planting:

‘Zexmenia’ thrives with plentiful sunlight, and although tolerant of a bit of afternoon shade, blooms most abundantly with a minimum of six hours of direct sunlight daily. This plant requires excellent soil drainage and flourishes in poor, dry, rocky soil, although it will do fine in amended soil. Sharp drainage is essential. ‘Zexmenia’ is easily-propagated from seeds, which can be collected from the plant, or by clump division. This plant will gradually spread wider in diameter as it matures.

Plant Care:

‘Zexmenia’ requires almost no maintenance when provided with plenty of sunlight, occasional water, and excellent soil drainage. The soil should remain on the dry side, and little to no supplemental water is required, once the plant is established. In fact, this plant will have fewer blooms if provided with excessive moisture. The addition of mulch is helpful to keep the surrounding area free of weeds.

Fertilize:

‘Zexmenia’ does not require fertilizer. If desired, an all purpose, granular, slow-release 10-10-10 fertilizer may be applied in spring to encourage lush foliage and abundant flowering. It is important to carefully read and follow the directions on the product label before using any fertilizer.

Prune:

‘Zexmenia’ can be pruned in early spring for an attractive shape, and can be re-shaped in July by cutting the plant back by one-half. This will encourage bushier growth and a renewed flush of blooms. Spent flowers can be removed at any time.

Pests & Disease:

‘Zexmenia’ is not affected by any serious pests or diseases. Fungal disease can develop if the soil does not drain well.

Attracts: