About

An evergreen perennial to 60cm high, with a basal rosette of broadly lance-shaped, lobed, softly hairy green leaves. Spikes of pale purple flowers, with petals streaked with darker purple, are borne in summer.

About the genus

Francoa are evergreen perennials with lance-shaped, sinuately lobed basal leaves and 4-petalled flowers in racemes on erect stems

Growing conditions

SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH4

Plant details

Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy, Columnar upright
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

Care notes

CultivationGrow in humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade. Protect from winter wet. May need protection in colder winters
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by division in spring
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free