Overview

Hypochaeris maculata is a bushy herbaceous perennial in the genus Hypochaeris, part of the Asteraceae family, with deciduous foliage. Hypochaeris maculata grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include wildflower meadow, wildlife gardens and flower borders and beds.

About

Hypochaeris maculata, commonly known as spotted cat's ear, is a bushy herbaceous perennial belonging to the Asteraceae family. Like other Hypochaeris species, it forms a rosette of deciduous leaves at its base and produces loose clusters of yellow, dandelion-like flowers during summer and autumn. This plant thrives in full sun or partial shade, favouring fertile, moist but well-drained soils such as chalk, loam, or sand with a range of pH levels. It is hardy in the UK (H4) and is well suited to wildflower meadows, wildlife gardens, and flower borders.

About the genus

Hypochaeris is a genus of plants in the family Asteraceae. Many species are known as cat's ear. These are annual and perennial herbs generally bearing flower heads with yellow ray florets.

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

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Hypochaeris

Sunlight

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil type

Chalk, Loam, Sand

Soil pH

Acid, Alkaline, Neutral

Soil moisture

Moist but well-drained, Well-drained

Aspect

West-facing, South-facing, East-facing

Exposure

Exposed

UK hardiness

H4

Plant details

Hypochaeris maculata size, habit and characteristics

Plant type

Herbaceous Perennial

Habit

Bushy

Foliage

Deciduous

Suggested uses

Wildflower meadow, Wildlife gardens, Flower borders and beds

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Hypochaeris maculata

Propagation

Seed

Pest resistance

Generally pest-free

Disease resistance

Generally disease-free

Frequently asked questions