About
A hairy herbaceous perennial spreading by stolons to form clumps of basal rosettes of elliptical green leaves, and stems up to 20cm high topped by clusters of flowerheads, 1.5cm across, which in bud first reveal the deep russet-red undersides of the petals, then open out into rich orange florets, shading to golden orange towards the centre, in summer; it is widely naturalised in Britain, and is visited by bees for nectar and pollen.
About the genus
A genus of herbaceous perennials spreading by rhizomes or stolons, with hariy leaves in basal rosettes, and sometimes as smaller stem leaves. The stems are topped with dandelion-like flowers, in shades of mainly yellow, sometimes orange or more rarely red or white
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectWest-facing, East-facing, South-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height1-2 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Prairie planting, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden
Native toEurope
Care notes
CultivationGrow in poor to moderately fertile, well-drained or even dry soil, in full sun or partial shade
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed, sown directly into position, or in containers outdoors, or by division in autumn or spring; it can also self-seed
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free