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 H4. Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens, cottage and informal garden and patio and container plants. It is native to Chile.
About
Francoa sonchifolia is a perennial plant that features unbranched racemes bearing pale pink flowers, each measuring approximately 2 cm in diameter. This species typically blooms during the summer months.
About the genus
Francoa consists of evergreen perennials characterized by their lanceolate, intricately lobed basal foliage. The plants produce racemes of four-petaled flowers that rise on upright stems.
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
- H4
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
- City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants
- Native to
- Chile
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Francoa sonchifolia
- Cultivation
- Grow in humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade. May survive below -10°C for short periods but protect from winter wet
- Pruning
- No pruning required
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed sown at 15-24°C in spring. Propagate by division in spring
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Francoa sonchifolia?
Grow in humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade. May survive below -10°C for short periods but protect from winter wet.
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?
No pruning required.
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 a UK hardiness rating of H4.
How do I propagate Francoa sonchifolia?
Propagate by seed sown at 15-24°C in spring. Propagate by division in spring.