Overview
Isatis tinctoria is a columnar upright annual biennial in the genus Isatis, part of the Brassicaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 1-1.5 metres tall and 0.5-1 metres wide, reaching full size in around 1-2 years. Isatis tinctoria grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include wildlife gardens, cottage gardens and flower borders. It is native to Albania, Bulgaria, Greece, Italy, Krym, NW. Balkan Pen., Romania, Sicilia, South European Russia, Türkiye and Ukraine.
About
Isatis tinctoria, also called woad (), dyer's woad, dyer's-weed, or glastum, is a flowering plant in the family Brassicaceae (the mustard family) with a documented history of use as a blue dye and medicinal plant. The double use of woad is seen in its name: the term Isatis is linked to its ancient use to treat wounds; the term tinctoria references its use as a dye. It is occasionally known as Asp of Jerusalem. Woad is also the name of a blue dye produced from the leaves of the plant. It is native to North America, Albania, Bulgaria, Greece, Italy and other regions. Mature plants reach roughly 1-1.5 metres tall and 0.5-1 metres wide, carrying deciduous foliage. In the garden it prefers full sun and most soil types. It tolerates soil of any pH, moist but well-drained, well-drained conditions and west-facing, east-facing and south-facing aspects.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Isatis tinctoria
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
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 tinctoria size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Annual Biennial
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 1-1.5 metres
- Spread
- 0.5-1 metres
- Time to full height
- 1-2 years
- Suggested uses
- Wildlife gardens, Cottage gardens, Flower borders
- Native to
- Albania, Bulgaria, Greece, Italy, Krym, NW. Balkan Pen., Romania, Sicilia, South European Russia, Türkiye, Ukraine
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Isatis tinctoria
- Cultivation
- Prefers full sun and well-drained soil; tolerates a range of soil types and pH levels; requires moist but well-drained conditions
- Propagation
- Seed
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Isatis tinctoria?
Prefers full sun and well-drained soil; tolerates a range of soil types and pH levels; requires moist but well-drained conditions.
Where is the best place to plant Isatis tinctoria?
Isatis tinctoria prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Isatis tinctoria need?
Isatis tinctoria 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.
How big does Isatis tinctoria grow?
Isatis tinctoria reaches a height of 1-1.5 metres and a spread of 0.5-1 metres. It takes around 1-2 years to reach full size.
Is Isatis tinctoria hardy in the UK?
Isatis tinctoria 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 tinctoria?
Seed.
More in the Isatis genus
Browse all Isatis →Last updated