About the genus

Saussurea is a genus of about 300 species of flowering plants in the tribe Cardueae within the family Asteraceae, native to cool temperate and arctic regions of East Asia, Europe, and North America, with the highest diversity in alpine habitats in the Himalayas and East Asia. Common names include saw-wort and snow lotus, the latter used for a number of high altitude species in East Asia.

In the garden

Saussurea comprises around 300 perennial species in the Asteraceae, native to cool temperate and arctic regions of East Asia, Europe and North America, with greatest diversity among alpine mountains. Habit varies sharply through the genus, from dwarf 5–10 cm alpine rosettes to thistle-like stems approaching 3 m; leaves arise in a basal rosette before spiralling up the flowering stem. The flower heads form dense capitula and are commonly fringed or concealed by woolly hairs, which in high-altitude species protect flowers from night frost and intense ultraviolet light. Many Saussurea originate from exposed, cool sites and those adaptations give clear cultivation clues: choose an open position that reproduces sharp alpine conditions where possible, and avoid heavy, poorly drained soil for species from rocky habitats. The dense floral wool and compact alpine forms make several species suitable for rock gardens and scree beds; larger, thistle-like types can be placed toward the back of mixed borders where their terminal heads are visible. Expect flowers from July to September, and select the species form to match the intended use, from miniature rosettes for crevices to tall specimens for vertical structure. Select plants with known provenance for the right site: alpine-origin Saussurea benefit from gritty, free-draining mixes and exposure to strong light, while lower-altitude species may tolerate less extreme positions. The woolly heads are diagnostic—pick forms with the floral texture and colour range you want in the garden.

From the Fenn Plants journal

• Notes on DaffodilsWhen to plant daffodil bulbs in the UK, how deep, how to naturalise them in grass, why daffodils stop flowering (“blindness”), and why you should never mix cut daffodils with other flowers.
• Keeping Your NerveHow to garden through a heatwave — the best time to water, why deep soaks beat daily sprinkles, caring for pots and vulnerable plants, and why you can let the lawn go brown.
• Made to LastHow to clean, store and protect garden pots and planters — the frost-proof vs frost-resistant difference, winter care for terracotta and ceramic, and how to reuse a broken pot.