Overview
Doronicum austriacum is a perennial herb in the genus Doronicum, part of the Asteraceae family. Doronicum austriacum grows best in partial shade and full shade, and tolerates loamy and well-drained soils and neutral to slightly acidic pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include woodland garden and shaded borders. It is native to C & S Europe.
About the genus
Doronicum is a genus of flowering plants in the sunflower family, known as leopard's bane. They are all herbaceous perennials native to Europe, southwest Asia and Siberia. They produce yellow, daisy-like flowerheads in spring and summer.
Wikipedia contributors, "Doronicum", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Doronicum
In the garden
Austrian Leopard's Bane (Doronicum austriacum) is a perennial herb of the Asteraceae native to central and southern Europe. In the UK it provides seasonal interest during its flowering period from April to June. The plant's preference for partial to full shade makes it a candidate where sunnier species struggle. Locate Doronicum austriacum in loamy, well-drained soil that stays moist and has a neutral to slightly acidic reaction. It performs best in north- or east-facing aspects and where it has some shelter from exposed winds. Rated H7, it is fully hardy in UK conditions and can remain in the border through winter. Use this species in a woodland garden scheme or the shaded parts of mixed borders, where a reliable shade-tolerant perennial is required. Position it where the April to June flowering period will be visible from paths or seating areas, since that short season is the primary time the plant is at its most conspicuous.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Doronicum
- Sunlight
- partial shade, full shade
- Soil type
- loamy, well-drained
- Soil pH
- neutral to slightly acidic
- Soil moisture
- moist
- Aspect
- north, east
- Exposure
- sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Doronicum austriacum size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- perennial herb
- Suggested uses
- woodland garden, shaded borders
- Native to
- C & S Europe
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Doronicum austriacum
- Cultivation
- Prefers humus-rich, moist soil in shaded or semi-shaded locations. Avoid direct hot sun.
- Pruning
- Remove spent flowers to encourage tidy growth.
- Propagation
- Seed, division in spring or autumn
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Doronicum austriacum?
Prefers humus-rich, moist soil in shaded or semi-shaded locations. Avoid direct hot sun.
Where is the best place to plant Doronicum austriacum?
Doronicum austriacum prefers partial shade and full shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Doronicum austriacum need?
Doronicum austriacum grows best in loamy and well-drained soil. It prefers neutral to slightly acidic soil. Aim for soil that stays moist.
How do I prune Doronicum austriacum?
Remove spent flowers to encourage tidy growth.
Is Doronicum austriacum hardy in the UK?
Doronicum austriacum has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Doronicum austriacum?
Seed, division in spring or autumn.
From the Fenn Plants journal
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More in the Doronicum genus
- Doronicum carpetanumLeopard's Bane
- Doronicum pardalianchesgreat leopard's bane
- Doronicum plantagineum 'Excelsum' or 'Harpur Crewe'Leopard's Bane
- Doronicum 'Spring Beauty'Leopard's Bane