Overview
Isatis kotschyana is a columnar upright annual biennial in the genus Isatis, part of the Brassicaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Isatis kotschyana grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include prairie planting, cottage and informal garden, wildlife gardens and flower borders and beds.
About
Isatis kotschyana is an annual to biennial in the Brassicaceae with a columnar, upright habit. It bears deciduous foliage and flowers in spring from April to June. It prefers full sun on well-drained soils across a wide pH range. The upright form suits the middle or rear of borders and prairie mixes where vertical structure is needed.
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 kotschyana sits in the mustard family (Brassicaceae) and grows as an annual or biennial with a distinctly columnar, upright habit and deciduous leaves. Its architecture places emphasis on vertical lines rather than a spreading mat, so it will read as a narrow accent in mixed plantings. Plant it in a sunny position on soils ranging from sand to clay or chalk; it tolerates acid, neutral and alkaline pH provided drainage is adequate. Aim for moist but well-drained conditions rather than waterlogged ground. It performs in exposed as well as sheltered sites and is given an H7 rating, meaning it is fully hardy for UK gardens and will survive the coldest winter conditions encountered here. Use Isatis kotschyana in prairie schemes, cottage and informal gardens, wildlife-minded borders and perennial beds where a vertical element is required. It flowers from April to June, offering a spring display that can lift lower-growing perennials and grasses. Allow its upright stems room to read as a vertical line within the planting so the spring flowers and columnar silhouette can be appreciated without being overwhelmed by neighbours.
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, Well-drained
- Aspect
- West-facing, East-facing, South-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Isatis kotschyana size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Annual Biennial
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Prairie planting, Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens, Flower borders and beds
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Isatis kotschyana
- Propagation
- By 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 kotschyana?
Isatis kotschyana prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Isatis kotschyana need?
Isatis kotschyana 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 to well-drained.
Is Isatis kotschyana hardy in the UK?
Isatis kotschyana 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 kotschyana?
By seed, sown in autumn in a seed bed and transplanted in spring, or sown in spring in its intended planting place.