Overview
Tragopogon is a columnar upright herbaceous perennial in the genus Tragopogon, part of the Asteraceae family, with deciduous or semi evergreen foliage. Tragopogon grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden and flower borders and beds.
About
Tragopogon, commonly known as goat's beard, is a genus of herbaceous perennials in the Asteraceae family. These plants have a columnar upright habit with narrow, grass-like foliage that can be deciduous or semi-evergreen. They produce prominent flower heads resembling dandelions, which bloom in yellow or purple during the spring, summer, and autumn. Tragopogon thrives in well-drained soil under full sun or partial shade and is hardy to UK zone H4, making it suitable for cottage and informal gardens as well as flower borders and beds.
About the genus
Tragopogon, also known as goatsbeard or salsify, is a genus of flowering plants in the family Asteraceae. It includes the vegetable known as salsify, as well as a number of common wild flowers.
Wikipedia contributors, "Tragopogon", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Tragopogon
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Tragopogon
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
Tragopogon size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Foliage
- Deciduous or Semi evergreen
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Flower borders and beds
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Tragopogon
- Propagation
- Grow from seed sown outdoors in late spring
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free. Seedlings and young plants may be susceptible to slugs and snails
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Tragopogon?
Tragopogon prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Tragopogon need?
Tragopogon 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 moist but well-drained.
Is Tragopogon hardy in the UK?
Tragopogon 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 Tragopogon?
Grow from seed sown outdoors in late spring.