Overview
Zizia aurea is a columnar upright herbaceous perennial in the genus Zizia, part of the Apiaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 0.5-1 metres tall and 0.1-0.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Zizia aurea grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, prairie planting and wildlife gardens. It is native to North America.
About
Zizia aurea is a herbaceous perennial that can reach heights of up to 80 cm. It features upright, branching stems adorned with glossy, toothed, pinnate leaves. During late spring and early summer, it bears flat clusters of vibrant yellow flowers, which later develop into purplish seed heads.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Zizia
- 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, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Zizia aurea size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 0.5-1 metres
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Prairie planting, Wildlife gardens
- Native to
- North America
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Zizia aurea
- Cultivation
- Grow in moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil in sun or partial shade
- Pruning
- No pruning required
- Propagation
- Propagate by sowing seed in containers in a cold frame in autumn
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Zizia aurea?
Grow in moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil in sun or partial shade.
Where is the best place to plant Zizia aurea?
Zizia aurea prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Zizia aurea need?
Zizia aurea 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 do I prune Zizia aurea?
No pruning required.
How big does Zizia aurea grow?
Zizia aurea reaches a height of 0.5-1 metres and a spread of 0.1-0.5 metres. It takes around 2-5 years to reach full size.
Is Zizia aurea hardy in the UK?
Zizia aurea has a UK hardiness rating of H5.
How do I propagate Zizia aurea?
Propagate by sowing seed in containers in a cold frame in autumn.