Overview
Isatis iconia is a plant with a columnar upright habit in the genus Isatis, part of the Brassicaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Isatis iconia grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include wildlife gardens, cottage and informal gardens and flower borders and beds.
About
Isatis iconia is a member of the Brassicaceae with a columnar upright habit and deciduous foliage. It flowers in spring (April to June). It prefers full sun and moist but well-drained soils on chalk, clay, loam or sand, and will grow on acid, neutral or alkaline ground. Rated H7 in the UK, it suits south-, east- or west-facing sites in either exposed or sheltered positions.
About the genus
Isatis is a genus of flowering plants in the family Brassicaceae, native to the Mediterranean region east to central Asia. Its genus name, Isatis, derives from the ancient Greek word for the plant, ἰσάτις. The genus includes woad.
Wikipedia contributors, "Isatis", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Isatis
In the garden
Isatis iconia belongs to the mustard family, producing an unmistakable upright column of growth rather than a spreading mound. The genus has a long botanical history in temperate Eurasia, and this species shows the same vertical habit that makes it useful where width is limited. Flowering occurs April to June, when the stems are topped by pale blooms. Planting in a sunny spot is essential; choose full sun on soil that remains moist but drains freely. It accepts a wide range of soils — chalk, clay, loam or sand — and tolerates acid, neutral and alkaline pH. Position can be south-, east- or west-facing, and the plant stands up to either exposed or sheltered situations. In UK terms H7 indicates fully hardy plants that will survive winter conditions without special protection. Use Isatis iconia where a narrow, upright element is needed: thin perennial borders, wildlife strips or informal cottage layouts. Its columnar form works well between clumps of lower perennials and along pathways, and the April–June flowering window provides a clear spring display from a vertical spike rather than a broad clump.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Isatis
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, East-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Isatis iconia size, habit and characteristics
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Wildlife gardens, Cottage and informal gardens, Flower borders and beds
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Isatis iconia
- Propagation
- Seed sown in autumn in a seed bed and transplanted in spring, or sown in spring in its intended planting place
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Isatis iconia?
Isatis iconia prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Isatis iconia need?
Isatis iconia is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Isatis iconia hardy in the UK?
Isatis iconia has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Isatis iconia?
Seed sown in autumn in a seed bed and transplanted in spring, or sown in spring in its intended planting place.