Lactuca saligna (least lettuce) — Clump forming

Overview

Lactuca saligna is a clump forming annual in the genus Lactuca, part of the Asteraceae family, with deciduous foliage. Lactuca saligna grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H2. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, patio and container plants, bedding and conservatory and greenhouse.

About

Lactuca saligna is an annual in the Asteraceae that forms clumps of deciduous foliage. It flowers from June to August with pale yellow ray florets. It prefers full sun in a neutral loam that stays moist but drains freely. Treat it as half-hardy (H2) in the UK and site it where exposure can be either sheltered or exposed.

About the genus

Lactuca, commonly known as lettuce, is a genus of flowering plants in the family Asteraceae. The genus includes at 117 recognized species, distributed worldwide, but mainly in temperate Eurasia.

Wikipedia contributors, "Lactuca", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Lactuca

In the garden

Lactuca saligna belongs to the genus Lactuca within the Asteraceae and grows as a clump-forming annual with deciduous leaves. Flowering runs from June to August, when the plant carries pale yellow ray florets suited to summer displays. Position it in full sun on a loam soil of neutral pH that remains moist yet well drained; the species tolerates both exposed and sheltered sites and is listed for south-, east-, west- and north-facing positions. Its UK hardiness rating is H2 (half-hardy), so expect to treat it as a plant that benefits from milder sites or protection from severe frost, or grow it where it can be moved under cover during cold spells. Use least lettuce in cottage and informal borders, as part of bedding schemes, in patios or containers, and under glass in conservatories and greenhouses where a summer flowering annual is required. The pale yellow flowers provide a subdued summer presence and the clump-forming habit works well alongside other seasonal bedding and container specimens from June to August.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Lactuca

Sunlight: Full sun
Soil type: Loam
Soil pH: Neutral
Soil moisture: Moist but well-drained
Aspect: South-facing, East-facing, West-facing, North-facing
Exposure: Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness: H2

Plant details

Lactuca saligna size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Annual
Habit: Clump forming
Foliage: Deciduous
Suggested uses: Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Bedding, Conservatory and greenhouse