Overview
Tragopogon porrifolius is a columnar upright annual biennial in the genus Tragopogon, part of the Asteraceae family, with deciduous, semi evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 0.5-1 metres tall and 0.1-0.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 1-2 years. Tragopogon porrifolius 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. It is native to Lebanon, Italy, Morocco, Pakistan, Malta, France, Albania and Bulgaria.
About
Tragopogon porrifolius is a species of plant commonly known as purple or common salsify, oyster plant, vegetable oyster, Jerusalem star, Jack go to bed, goatsbeard, or simply salsify. These last two names are also applied to other species. It grows wild in many places and is one of the most widely known species of the salsify genus, Tragopogon. It is cultivated for its ornamental flower and edible root. It is native to North America, Oceania, Albania, Algeria, Baleares and other regions. Mature plants reach roughly 0.5-1 metres tall and 0.1-0.5 metres wide, carrying deciduous, semi evergreen foliage. In the garden it prefers full sun and partial shade and most soil types. It tolerates soil of any pH, moist but well-drained conditions and east-facing, north-facing, south-facing and west-facing aspects.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Tragopogon porrifolius
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 porrifolius size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Annual Biennial, Herbs - Culinary
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Foliage
- Deciduous, Semi evergreen
- Height
- 0.5-1 metres
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 1-2 years
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Flower borders and beds
- Native to
- Lebanon, Italy, Morocco, Pakistan, Malta, France, Albania, Bulgaria
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Tragopogon porrifolius
- Propagation
- Grow from seed sown outdoors in late spring
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Tragopogon porrifolius?
Tragopogon porrifolius prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Tragopogon porrifolius need?
Tragopogon porrifolius 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.
How big does Tragopogon porrifolius grow?
Tragopogon porrifolius reaches a height of 0.5-1 metres and a spread of 0.1-0.5 metres. It takes around 1-2 years to reach full size.
Is Tragopogon porrifolius hardy in the UK?
Tragopogon porrifolius 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 porrifolius?
Grow from seed sown outdoors in late spring.
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