About
Francoa sonchifolia, the wedding flower, is an evergreen, clump-forming perennial from Chile with pinnately lobed, softly hairy basal leaves and tall, erect, unbranched spikes of small, pale-pink, dark-veined, four-petalled flowers in summer. A charming and graceful perennial for a sheltered, sunny or partly shaded border.
About the genus
Francoa, the bridal wreaths, are evergreen, clump-forming perennials from Chile with lance-shaped, sinuately lobed, softly hairy basal leaves and slender, erect stems bearing racemes of small, four-petalled, pink or white flowers in summer. Elegant and graceful perennials for sheltered, sunny or partly shaded borders.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, North-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants
Native toChile
Care notes
CultivationGrow 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
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed sown at 15-24°C in spring. Propagate by division in spring
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free