Overview
Townsendia formosa is a bushy alpine rockery in the genus Townsendia, part of the Asteraceae family, with evergreen foliage. Townsendia formosa grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam and sand soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include rock garden.
About
Townsendia formosa, known as the smooth Townsend daisy or beautiful Townsend daisy, is a bushy evergreen perennial from the genus Townsendia, which is noted for its clusters of slender, linear leaves and large daisy-like flowers. This cultivar thrives in full sun on south- or west-facing, sheltered sites with well-drained loam or sandy soil of any pH. Hardy to UK zone H6, it is suitable for rock gardens and is best planted in well-drained soil with watering during establishment. Its season of interest spans spring and summer.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Townsendia
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
Townsendia formosa size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Alpine Rockery
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Suggested uses
- Rock garden
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Townsendia formosa
- Propagation
- Sow seed as soon as ripe in containers in a cold frame
- Pest resistance
- Susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite and aphids under glass
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Townsendia formosa?
Townsendia formosa prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Townsendia formosa need?
Townsendia formosa grows best in loam and sand soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
Is Townsendia formosa hardy in the UK?
Townsendia formosa 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 Townsendia formosa?
Sow seed as soon as ripe in containers in a cold frame.
More in the Townsendia genus
- Townsendia alpigena
- Townsendia incana
- Townsendia jonesii var. tumulosa
- Townsendia mensanatable Townsend daisy
- Townsendia montana var. minima