Overview

Francoa ramosa is a herbaceous perennial in the genus Francoa, part of the Francoaceae family. Francoa ramosa grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates well-drained and fertile soils. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include borders and cottage gardens. It is native to Chile.

About

Francoa ramosa is an herbaceous perennial in the Francoaceae that forms a basal clump of rounded, deeply lobed, fuzzy leaves with winged leafstalks and produces compact racemes of small, cup-shaped flowers. The flowers are pink with red markings and appear in the UK from June to August. Plants can reach about one metre in height and present a low mound of foliage beneath the flowering stems.

About the genus

Francoa is a genus of flowering plants in the family Francoaceae, which consists of herbaceous perennials endemic to Chile. Plants may grow up to one metre high and produce basal clumps of round, deeply lobed, dark green, fuzzy leaves with winged leafstalks. Compact racemes of small, cup-shaped flowers, which are pink with red markings, appear in summer and early fall.

Wikipedia contributors, "Francoa", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Francoa

In the garden

Francoa ramosa belongs to the genus Francoa in the family Francoaceae and originates from South American flora; it typically produces a basal rosette of textured, deeply lobed leaves and sends up short, compact racemes of cup-shaped flowers. In cultivation it reaches roughly one metre high, making the flowering stems clearly visible above the foliage when in bloom. Flowering in the UK occurs from June to August. Allow adequate space for the basal clump so the leaves are not obscured by taller neighbours; the plant's form suits a front to mid-border position where the summer racemes are on display. Give the clump room to breathe to keep the fuzzy leaf surface drier and reduce the risk of foliar problems. When the clump becomes congested it responds well to division, which is best performed outside active flowering to re-establish vigour. Use individual specimens where the small, marked flowers can be appreciated or group several for greater seasonal presence in a mixed herbaceous border or naturalistic planting. After the main flush of blooms, tidy away spent flower stems to neaten the display and free space for surrounding plants.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Francoa

Sunlight

full sun, partial shade

Soil type

well-drained, fertile

Soil moisture

moist

UK hardiness

H5

Plant details

Francoa ramosa size, habit and characteristics

Plant type

herbaceous perennial

Suggested uses

borders, cottage gardens

Native to

Chile

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Francoa ramosa

Cultivation

Prefers moist, well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade; avoid waterlogging.

Pruning

Remove spent flower stems to encourage tidy growth.

Propagation

Seed, division

Frequently asked questions