Overview
Arnica louisiana is a bushy herbaceous perennial in the genus Arnica, part of the Asteraceae family, with deciduous foliage. Arnica louisiana grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, wildlife gardens and flower borders and beds.
About
Arnica louisiana is a bushy, herbaceous perennial belonging to the Arnica genus, known for its rhizomatous growth and simple, opposite leaves. This deciduous plant produces yellow, daisy-like flowers during the spring and summer months. It thrives in full sun with a south, west, or east-facing aspect, preferring moist but well-drained loam soil with a neutral pH. Hardy to UK zone H6, Arnica louisiana suits cottage and informal gardens, wildlife gardens, and flower borders. It is best propagated by seed sown in a cold frame in autumn or by division in spring.
About the genus
Arnica is a genus of perennial, herbaceous plants in the sunflower family (Asteraceae). The genus name Arnica may be derived from the Greek arni, "lamb", in reference to the plants' soft, hairy leaves. Arnica is also known by the names mountain tobacco and, confusingly, leopard's bane and wolfsbane—two names that it shares with the entirely unrelated genus Aconitum.
Wikipedia contributors, "Arnica", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Arnica
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Arnica
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Loam
- Soil pH
- Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
Arnica louisiana size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens, Flower borders and beds
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Arnica louisiana
- Propagation
- Seed sown in a cold frame in autumn, Division in spring
- Pest resistance
- Caterpillars, Slugs
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Arnica louisiana?
Arnica louisiana prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Arnica louisiana need?
Arnica louisiana grows best in loam soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Arnica louisiana hardy in the UK?
Arnica louisiana has an RHS hardiness rating of H6, meaning it is very hardy, tolerating -20 to -15°C across most of the UK.
How do I propagate Arnica louisiana?
Seed sown in a cold frame in autumn, Division in spring.