Overview
Bidens bipinnata is a herbaceous annuals, perennials, or deciduous shrubs annual biennial in the genus Bidens, part of the Asteraceae family, with opposite, simple or pinnately divided leaves foliage. Bidens bipinnata grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include borders, containers and hanging baskets.
About
Bidens bipinnata, commonly known as Spanish needles or cuckolds, is a herbaceous annual within the Bidens genus, which includes annuals, perennials, and deciduous shrubs. This plant features opposite leaves that may be simple or pinnately divided and produces daisy-like flowerheads in spring and summer. It thrives best in full sun on a south-facing, sheltered aspect with fertile, well-drained loam soil that is neutral in pH and kept moist. Suitable for borders, containers, and hanging baskets, it is hardy to UK zone H4 and can be propagated by seed sowing in spring or cuttings in autumn or spring.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Bidens
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Loam
- Soil pH
- Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist
- Aspect
- South-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
Bidens bipinnata size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Annual Biennial
- Habit
- Herbaceous annuals, perennials, or deciduous shrubs
- Foliage
- Opposite, simple or pinnately divided leaves
- Suggested uses
- Borders, containers, hanging baskets
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Bidens bipinnata
- Propagation
- Seed sowing in spring, cuttings in autumn or spring
- Pest resistance
- Aphids
- Disease resistance
- Powdery mildew, downy mildew, rust
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Bidens bipinnata?
Bidens bipinnata prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Bidens bipinnata need?
Bidens bipinnata grows best in loam soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist.
Is Bidens bipinnata hardy in the UK?
Bidens bipinnata has an RHS hardiness rating of H4, meaning it is hardy through an average UK winter, tolerating -10 to -5°C.
How do I propagate Bidens bipinnata?
Seed sowing in spring, cuttings in autumn or spring.
More in the Bidens genus
- Bidens ferulifolia 'Bidori'PBR
- Bidens ferulifolia 'White Delight'
- Bidens serrulata
- Bidens ferulifolia Solaire Golden ('Bidantis')
- Bidens triplinervia var. macrantha 'B1033'PBR
- Bidens triplinervia var. macrantha 'Florbiex10'PBR