Crepis mollis
Crepis mollis · Asteraceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant crepis mollis: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Family
- Asteraceae
- Plant type
- Herbaceous perennial
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Flowering
- Spring to summer (May-July)
- Adult size
- 30 to 60 cm in height
- Hardiness
- Hardy, down to -15°C
- Origin
- Central and southern Europe
- Soil type
- Well-drained soil, slightly chalky
Care
Watering
Keep the soil slightly moist during growth, especially during dry periods. Reduce watering in winter when vegetation slows down. Avoid excess moisture which would promote root rot.
Light exposure
Prefer a sunny or semi-shaded location. At least 4 to 5 hours of direct sunlight per day will allow generous flowering and a more compact plant.
Soil and drainage
Opt for well-drained soil, rich in organic matter. Improve heavy soils with compost or coarse sand. A slightly chalky to neutral pH suits it perfectly.
Pruning and tidying
Remove spent flowers regularly to extend flowering. In late autumn or early winter, cut back dried stems to ground level to encourage vigorous regrowth in spring.
Fertilizer
A moderate application of balanced fertilizer in spring is sufficient. Avoid excess nitrogen which would promote lush foliage at the expense of flowering.
Diseases and pests
Generally robust, tender crepis can be affected by powdery mildew in humid weather. Ensure good air circulation and avoid wetting the foliage. Watch for aphids in early season.
Did you know?
The Crepis genus comprises about 200 species distributed across Europe, Asia and North Africa. The name 'crepis' comes from ancient Greek and literally means 'sandal', a poetic reference to the elongated shape of certain winged seeds. Formerly, several species of the genus were used in traditional medicine for their supposed soothing virtues.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.
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Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.