About
This subshrub with bare, upright branches to 2m topped with rosettes of somewhat shiny, dandelion-like leaves up to 50cm long, and producing well-branched clusters of yellow, dandelion flowers in summer.
About the genus
Sonchus are mostly annuals with a few perennials and rarely a shrub. Most produce a basal rosette of deeply-toothed leaves, upright stems with clasping leaves and yellow, dandelion-like flowers
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH2
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy, Columnar upright
FoliageDeciduous
Height1.5-2.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesArchitectural, Mediterranean climate plants, City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Sub-tropical
Native toMadeira
Care notes
CultivationBest grown in a container of free-draining, peat-free, loam-based compost, standing outdoors in summer and overwintered in a frost-free position. However, if planted outdoors the roots will often survive even if the top growth is cut down by frost
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free