Overview
Roldana petasitis is a bushy annual biennial in the genus Roldana, part of the Asteraceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 2.5-4 metres tall and 2.5-4 metres wide, reaching full size in around 1-2 years. Roldana petasitis grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and alkaline and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include border, cottage garden and wildlife garden. It is native to Mexico, Honduras, Nicaragua and El Salvador.
About
Roldana petasitis, commonly known as velvet groundsel or Californian geranium, is a bushy annual or biennial plant in the Asteraceae family. It grows to a height and spread of 2.5 to 4 metres, reaching full size within one to two years. This deciduous plant thrives in full sun on south- or west-facing, sheltered sites, preferring moist but well-drained alkaline or neutral soils such as chalk, loam, or sand. It is particularly notable in spring and winter.
About the genus
Roldana also known as groundsel is a genus of large herbs or subshrubs from the groundsel tribe within the sunflower family.
Wikipedia contributors, "Roldana", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Roldana
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Roldana
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
Roldana petasitis size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Annual Biennial
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 2.5-4 metres
- Spread
- 2.5-4 metres
- Time to full height
- 1-2 years
- Suggested uses
- Border, Cottage garden, Wildlife garden
- Native to
- Mexico, Honduras, Nicaragua, El Salvador
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Roldana petasitis
- Propagation
- Seed, Semi-ripe cuttings
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Roldana petasitis?
Roldana petasitis prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Roldana petasitis need?
Roldana petasitis is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, loam and sand. It prefers alkaline and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How big does Roldana petasitis grow?
Roldana petasitis reaches a height of 2.5-4 metres and a spread of 2.5-4 metres. It takes around 1-2 years to reach full size.
Is Roldana petasitis hardy in the UK?
Roldana petasitis has an RHS hardiness rating of H4, meaning it is hardy through an average UK winter, tolerating -10 to -5°C.
How do I propagate Roldana petasitis?
Seed, Semi-ripe cuttings.
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