About
Doronicum pardalianches, the great leopard's bane, is a tuberous, laterally spreading perennial that spreads by underground runners. Loosely branched clusters of single, light-yellow flowers from mid-spring to early summer are carried on upright stems to 90 cm above lime-green basal leaves to 12 cm long. A vigorous and naturalising perennial for a partly shaded, moist woodland border.
About the genus
Doronicum, the leopard's banes, are rhizomatous or tuberous-rooted herbaceous perennials with heart-shaped basal leaves and bright-yellow, daisy-like flowerheads on erect stems in spring. Among the earliest yellow daisies of the gardening year, reliable and easy perennials for sunny or partly shaded borders.
Growing conditions
SunlightPartial shade
Soil typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectNorth-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCoastal, Cottage and informal garden, Prairie planting, Wildflower meadow, Wildlife gardens
Native toEurope
Care notes
CultivationGrow in any reasonably fertile moist but free-draining soil in dappled shade and sheltered from strong summer sunlight. Ideal for naturalising in open woodland but may spread in favourable conditions
PruningDeadhead flowers for a second flush of blooms
PropagationPropagate by division in early autumn or propagate by seed in containers in a cold frame in spring
Pest resistanceSlugs and snails may be troublesome
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to a leaf spot, root rot and powdery mildews