Doronicum plantagineum 'Excelsum' or 'Harpur Crewe' (Leopard's Bane) — perennial

Overview

Doronicum plantagineum 'Excelsum' or 'Harpur Crewe' is a perennial in the genus Doronicum, part of the Asteraceae family. Doronicum plantagineum 'Excelsum' or 'Harpur Crewe' grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates well-drained soils and neutral and alkaline pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include borders and rock gardens. It is native to Algeria, Morocco, Portugal, Spain, Andorra, Gibraltar, France and Monaco.

About

Doronicum plantagineum 'Excelsum' or 'Harpur Crewe' is a perennial in the Asteraceae that carries yellow, daisy-like flowers from April to June. It prefers full sun or partial shade and a moist, well-drained soil with a neutral to alkaline reaction. Rated H7, it is fully hardy across the UK. Plant it into borders or rock gardens where a spring display is required.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Doronicum plantagineum

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

Doronicum plantagineum 'Excelsum' or 'Harpur Crewe' is a perennial member of the Asteraceae native to parts of the western Mediterranean, including Algeria, Morocco, Portugal, Spain, Andorra, Gibraltar, France and Monaco. The cultivar produces single yellow, daisy-like flower heads over a defined spring window from April to June, making its seasonality easy to plan for in a planting scheme. Siting is straightforward: give the plant full sun or partial shade and a moist yet well-drained soil with a neutral to alkaline pH. It carries an H7 rating, meaning it is fully hardy in UK conditions and does not require winter protection in outdoor beds. Avoid heavy, waterlogged ground; a free-draining, moisture-retentive mix suits it best. Its recommended uses are borders and rock gardens where those April–June blooms can provide clear early-season colour. Position the plants where the spring flowers will be visible before taller summer perennials fill the border. The cultivar's reliably timed spring flowering makes it useful when you want a distinct, predictable display rather than extended summer interest.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Doronicum

Sunlight: full sun, partial shade
Soil type: well-drained
Soil pH: neutral, alkaline
Soil moisture: moist
UK hardiness: H7

Plant details

Doronicum plantagineum 'Excelsum' or 'Harpur Crewe' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: perennial
Suggested uses: borders, rock gardens
Native to: Algeria, Morocco, Portugal, Spain, Andorra, Gibraltar, France, Monaco

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Doronicum plantagineum 'Excelsum' or 'Harpur Crewe'

Cultivation: Prefers moist, well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade. Avoid waterlogged conditions.
Pruning: Deadhead spent flowers to encourage further blooming.
Propagation: Division in spring or autumn, seed

Frequently asked questions

How do I grow Doronicum plantagineum 'Excelsum' or 'Harpur Crewe'?

Prefers moist, well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade. Avoid waterlogged conditions.

Where is the best place to plant Doronicum plantagineum 'Excelsum' or 'Harpur Crewe'?

Doronicum plantagineum 'Excelsum' or 'Harpur Crewe' prefers full sun and partial shade.

What soil does Doronicum plantagineum 'Excelsum' or 'Harpur Crewe' need?

Doronicum plantagineum 'Excelsum' or 'Harpur Crewe' grows best in well-drained soil. It prefers neutral and alkaline soil. Aim for soil that stays moist.

How do I prune Doronicum plantagineum 'Excelsum' or 'Harpur Crewe'?

Deadhead spent flowers to encourage further blooming.

Is Doronicum plantagineum 'Excelsum' or 'Harpur Crewe' hardy in the UK?

Doronicum plantagineum 'Excelsum' or 'Harpur Crewe' 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 plantagineum 'Excelsum' or 'Harpur Crewe'?

Division in spring or autumn, seed.

More in the Doronicum genus

Browse all Doronicum →