Narrowleaf hawksbeard
Crepis tectorum · Asteraceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant narrowleaf hawksbeard: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Family
- Asteraceae
- Form
- Annual or biennial herb
- Flowering
- May to September
- Adult height
- 20 to 60 cm
- Hardiness
- Very hardy, all temperate zones
- Origin
- Central and northern Europe
- Foliage
- Deciduous, finely toothed
Care
Exposure
Roof Hawksbeard prefers areas in full sun for optimal flowering. It also tolerates partial shade, but shows its best vigor and floral density in direct sunlight. Very well-suited to exposed and windy situations.
Soil type
This plant thrives in poor, dry, and well-drained soils, typically those found on rooftops, slopes, and rocky terrain. It dreads waterlogging and prefers light, chalky substrates. No soil improvement is necessary.
Watering
Once established, Roof Hawksbeard is very drought-tolerant and requires virtually no watering. In young plants or in pots, water moderately during the growing period. Avoid any excess moisture, especially in winter.
Pruning and maintenance
Remove spent flowers to encourage prolonged flowering and limit self-seeding if you fear excessive spread. Light autumn cleanup is sufficient; the plant needs no structural pruning.
Fertilizer
No fertilizer is necessary. Roof Hawksbeard thrives naturally on poor soils. Excess nutrients would encourage loose growth at the expense of flowering.
Health and pests
Very robust plant, little susceptible to common diseases and pests. The only occasional risks are rot in case of stagnant moisture and a few minor pests on young plants. No specific treatment is generally needed.
Did you know?
Roof Hawksbeard owes its common name to its natural preferred habitat: it easily colonizes tile rooftops, stone walls, and rock gardens, where its seeds germinate and take root within days. In northern Europe, it was traditionally considered an indicator plant of a "living" and healthy roof, unobtrusive yet a testament to biodiversity.
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.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
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- Canadian goldenrodSolidago canadensis
- WormwoodArtemisia absinthium
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.