Overview
Francoa sonchifolia is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Francoa, part of the Francoaceae family, with evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 0.5-1 metres tall and 0.1-0.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Francoa sonchifolia grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include border plant and ground cover. It is native to Chile.
About
Francoa sonchifolia, the wedding flower or bridalwreath (bridal wreath), is a plant species in the family Francoaceae, that is endemic to Chile. An evergreen perennial with wavy edged basal leaves (sinuate), it produces erect unbranched racemes of pale pink flowers, veined or blotched with dark pink. In cultivation it is hardy in mild places that do not suffer prolonged frozen ground (RHS H4). It grows to around 0.5-1 metres tall and 0.1-0.5 metres wide, carrying evergreen foliage. Grow it in full sun and partial shade and most soil types. It tolerates soil of any pH, moist but well-drained conditions and south-facing, west-facing, north-facing and east-facing aspects.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Francoa sonchifolia
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
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Francoa
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing, North-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Francoa sonchifolia size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 0.5-1 metres
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- Border plant, ground cover
- Native to
- Chile
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Francoa sonchifolia
- Cultivation
- Grow in full sun to partial shade in moist, well-drained soil; tolerates a range of soil types and pH levels; protect from prolonged freezing
- Pruning
- Remove spent flower spikes to encourage new blooms; cut back foliage in late winter if needed to maintain shape
- Propagation
- Division, seed
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Francoa sonchifolia?
Grow in full sun to partial shade in moist, well-drained soil; tolerates a range of soil types and pH levels; protect from prolonged freezing.
Where is the best place to plant Francoa sonchifolia?
Francoa sonchifolia prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Francoa sonchifolia need?
Francoa sonchifolia is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How do I prune Francoa sonchifolia?
Remove spent flower spikes to encourage new blooms; cut back foliage in late winter if needed to maintain shape.
How big does Francoa sonchifolia grow?
Francoa sonchifolia reaches a height of 0.5-1 metres and a spread of 0.1-0.5 metres. It takes around 2-5 years to reach full size.
Is Francoa sonchifolia hardy in the UK?
Francoa sonchifolia has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Francoa sonchifolia?
Division, seed.
More in the Francoa genus
Browse all Francoa →
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