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
Where is the best place to plant Hypochaeris maculata?
Hypochaeris maculata prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed positions.
What soil does Hypochaeris maculata need?
Hypochaeris maculata is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to well-drained.
Is Hypochaeris maculata hardy in the UK?
Hypochaeris maculata has an RHS hardiness rating of H4, meaning it is hardy through an average UK winter, tolerating -10 to -5°C.
How do I propagate Hypochaeris maculata?
Seed.
From the Fenn Plants journal
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