Overview
Serratula tinctoria is a clump-forming perennial herb in the genus Serratula, part of the Asteraceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 1.0 m tall. Serratula tinctoria grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include gravel garden, cottage and informal garden, underplanting of roses and shrubs, banks and slopes, flower borders and beds, garden edging and wall side borders. It is native to Albania, Algeria, Austria, Baltic States, Belarus, Belgium, Bulgaria, Central European Russia, Cyprus, Czechia-Slovakia, Denmark and East European Russia.
About
Serratula tinctoria, commonly known as dyer's plumeless saw-wort or saw-wort, is a species of flowering plant in the family Asteraceae.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Serratula tinctoria
About the genus
Serratula is a genus of plants in the tribe Cardueae within the family Asteraceae native to Eurasia. Plumeless saw-wort is a common name for plants in this genus. Serratula as traditionally defined contains at least two groups: one of which is basal within the subtribe Centaureinae and one of which is derived; the former group can be moved to the genus Klasea.
Wikipedia contributors, "Serratula", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Serratula
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Serratula
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
Serratula tinctoria size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- perennial herb
- Habit
- Clump-forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 1.0 m
- Suggested uses
- Gravel garden, Cottage and informal garden, Underplanting of roses and shrubs, Banks and slopes, Flower borders and beds, Garden edging, Wall side borders
- Native to
- Albania, Algeria, Austria, Baltic States, Belarus, Belgium, Bulgaria, Central European Russia, Cyprus, Czechia-Slovakia, Denmark, East European Russia
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Serratula tinctoria
- Propagation
- Seed, Division
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Serratula tinctoria?
Serratula tinctoria prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Serratula tinctoria need?
Serratula tinctoria is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
How big does Serratula tinctoria grow?
Serratula tinctoria reaches a height of 1.0 m.
Is Serratula tinctoria hardy in the UK?
Serratula tinctoria has an RHS hardiness rating of H6, meaning it is very hardy, tolerating -20 to -15°C across most of the UK.
How do I propagate Serratula tinctoria?
Seed, Division.