About

A mat-forming perennial with basal rosettes of greyish-green leaves, hairy above with downy, white-felted undersides, linked by creeping stolons. Yellow, dandelion-like flowers are borne on leafless stems about 15cm tall in summer. Subspecies bicapitata is a very rare native and is found only on Shetland. Subspecies flagellaris is not native, but is a garden escape that has become naturalised in a few sites in England and Scotland.

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
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAlkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7

Plant details

Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitMatforming
FoliageSemi evergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Rock garden, Wildlife gardens
Native toEurope to Caucasus

Care notes

CultivationNaturally occurs on free-draining, short grassland. Grow in poor to moderately fertile, well-drained or even dry soil, in full sun
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed or by division
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free