Emilia
( em - EE - lee - ah )
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At-A-Glance InformationThis genus includes herbaceous perennial plants known commonly as Tasselflower or Pualele. Species are native to tropical and sub-tropical areas of Africa and Asia. These plants feature slender stems topped with brightly colored blooms in red-orange to pink and lavender hues. They often bloom from summer through fall, and attract pollinators to the landscape. Use these flowers for vibrant, long-lasting color in borders and mixed beds or in containers. They are perfect for cottage-style or informal gardens. Emilia is also cultivated as a cut flower for fresh arrangements.
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Emilia Species and Varietals
The genus Emilia is a member of the plant family Asteraceae and includes around 115 distinct species. The best growing zones for Emilia are USDA hardiness zones 9a-11b. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.
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Emilia fosbergii (Florida Tasselflower) This species forms an annual plant to 40 inches tall when in bloom. Leaves are green, and plants typically produce just one central flowering stem. Each flowering head holds over 60 pink, purple, or red disc florets, and no ray florets, resulting in a rounded bright tuft atop green, branching flowering stems. This species is considered invasive in tropical and subtropical areas of Central America, the Caribbean, and certain Pacific Islands. |
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Emilia sonchifolia (Lilac Tasselflower, Cupid's Shaving Brush) This branching annual herbaceous plant reaches up to 15.5 inches tall when mature and in bloom. It is native to Asia, but has naturalized in Africa, Australia, and the Americas. Leaves are green, sometimes maturing to puplish. Flower heads are purple to pink in color. These plants are known in some areas as aggressive weed crops, especially in cotton fields. Leaves and young shoots can be consumed as vegetables either raw or cooked. This species is considered invasive in Africa, Australia, the Americas (Florida - USA, Mexico, Brazil, and the Caribbean), and numerous Pacific Islands. |
Caring for Emilia
Emilia plants are typically grown from seed. Make sure to wait until the last frost of the year has passed by before planting, as cool temperatures can take out young or recently installed plants. Choose a space in the landscape that receives full sun to partial shade. Ideally, they should get between 6 and 8 hours of sun each day but they do appreciate some shade in warmer climates. Plants should be spaced 6-8 inches apart for best coverage and airflow. Ensure that soil is well-draining, rich in nutrients, and has a pH of between 6.0 and 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral). If local soils are particularly poor in nutrients or do not drain well, make sure to amend the planting area with plenty of organic compost before installing. Apply a layer of mulch around the planting area to suppress weed growth, maintain consistent soil temperatures, and to increase soil moisture retention. Water new plantings regularly as they establish a strong root system in their new home.
As long as soil is fertile before planting, these flowers will not need any additional fertilizers during the growing season. If these flowers seem to be struggling and are not blooming or growing well, fertilize yearly in early springtime with an application of 2 inches of compost around the base of plants. Pull mulch back before applying, work the compost gently into the soil a bit, water it in, and then replace mulch. Prune during the growing season to remove dead, damaged or diseased foliage or stems and to deadhead spent flowers. If you will be collecting seeds for propagation, make sure to leave some flowering heads on plants to mature.
Harvesting Emilia
Emilia, or Tasselflower, is widely used as a cut flower to add whimsy, mass, texture and color to mixed bouquets. Foliage is also used to add greenery to bouquets and fresh arrangements. Harvest when flowers are 3/4 of the way open on a stem, making cuts at the base of stems with sharp, clean garden shears or snips. The best time to harvest Emilia flowers is in the morning, after the dew dries from leaves but before the heat of the day sets in. Drop cut stems in cool water immediately. Emilia flowers have a vase life of between 7 and 10 days.
As long as soil is fertile before planting, these flowers will not need any additional fertilizers during the growing season. If these flowers seem to be struggling and are not blooming or growing well, fertilize yearly in early springtime with an application of 2 inches of compost around the base of plants. Pull mulch back before applying, work the compost gently into the soil a bit, water it in, and then replace mulch. Prune during the growing season to remove dead, damaged or diseased foliage or stems and to deadhead spent flowers. If you will be collecting seeds for propagation, make sure to leave some flowering heads on plants to mature.
Harvesting Emilia
Emilia, or Tasselflower, is widely used as a cut flower to add whimsy, mass, texture and color to mixed bouquets. Foliage is also used to add greenery to bouquets and fresh arrangements. Harvest when flowers are 3/4 of the way open on a stem, making cuts at the base of stems with sharp, clean garden shears or snips. The best time to harvest Emilia flowers is in the morning, after the dew dries from leaves but before the heat of the day sets in. Drop cut stems in cool water immediately. Emilia flowers have a vase life of between 7 and 10 days.
Propagation
Before trying this method, keep in mind that propagation of Emilia by seed does not ensure that you will end up with the exact same plant as you harvested the seed from. To complete this propagation method, you will need to allow your flowers to stay on the plant long enough to come to seed, so do not completely deadhead all blooms. Seeds will be mature and ready to harvest in late summer or early fall, when the flowers have dried and turn brownish. Cut the flower heads off of your plant at this time, and take the seeds out of their pods. To grow Emilia flowers from seed, follow these directions:
Propagating Emilia by Seed
Propagating Emilia by Seed
- Gather your materials. You will need a pot or seed tray, potting soil that is well-draining, and a spray bottle filled with water.
- Seeds can be sown in place or started indoors in the late wintertime (6-10 weeks before the last frost date) and then transplanted outside. Prepare your pot or growing tray by filling it with potting medium.
- Place your seeds on top of the potting mix, spaced about 4- 6 inches apart. Sprinkle potting medium over the top until the seeds are covered. As the seeds are starting out, it is best to use a spray bottle to add moisture to avoid uncovering their soil topping or dislodging them; they are very small. Keep the soil moist as the seeds develop, using a seed tray cover or plastic to cover your pot to keep moisture in and humidity high.
- Continue to monitor for moisture and adequate soil covering until the seeds start to sprout, which should take between 7-21 days. Once the chance of frost has passed by, seedlings can be transplanted to a sunny area of the garden. Keep the soil moist as the plant develops.
Problems and Pests
Certain species of Emilia are considered invasive in some regions; see the species descriptions above for more information. Check with local authorities before planting. Emilia flowers are susceptible to issues with the following pests and diseases in the garden:
- Aphids
- Spider Mites
- Mealybugs
- Root Rot
- Powdery Mildew
Gallery
These delicate blooms are welcome additions to many garden spaces.
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A field of thea sinensis
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These compact blooms add pops of color to fresh flower arrangements.
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