About
Inula helenium, elecampane, is a statuesque herbaceous perennial to 2 m tall with toothed, narrowly elliptic leaves to 60 cm long, white-woolly beneath. Yellow, daisy-like flowerheads to 9 cm wide with narrow rays and darker centres are produced in summer. An imposing and architectural border perennial with a long history of use in herbal medicine.
About the genus
Inula are annuals, herbaceous perennials and subshrubs with large, often basal leaves and yellow, daisy-like flowerheads, usually with many narrow ray florets. Excellent plants for bold, summer-colour in sunny or partly shaded borders.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeClay, Loam
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, East-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height1.5-2.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens, Wildflower meadow
Native toW & C Asia
Care notes
CultivationIt prefers deep, rich, moisture-retentive soil in full sun or partial shade. May need support if planted in windy situation
PruningTrim back faded foliage in the autumn or early spring
PropagationPropagate by division in autumn or spring. Take basal softwood cuttings in spring. Propagate by seed in spring; germinate at 10°C (50°F)
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free