Dittrichia graveolens
Dittrichia graveolens · Asteraceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant dittrichia graveolens: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Family
- Asteraceae
- Type
- Annual or biennial herbaceous plant
- Adult height
- 30 to 80 cm tall
- Flowering
- July to September
- Hardiness
- Temperate to warm zones (not very cold hardy)
- Origin
- Mediterranean basin and Middle East
- Foliage
- Deciduous, grey-green
Care
Sunlight
Stinking fleabane prefers a very sunny location with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. It tolerates hot and dry conditions well. Place it in an airy spot to prevent stagnant moisture.
Watering
Keep the soil moderately moist when establishing, then reduce watering once the plant is established. This species tolerates drought well and prefers soil that is rather dry to moderately moist. Avoid waterlogging.
Soil
Stinking fleabane adapts to many soil types, including poor, rocky or sandy ground. Good drainage is essential to prevent root rot. It also tolerates slightly chalky soils.
Pruning and tidying
Pinch back young plants in spring to encourage more compact and bushy growth. Remove spent flowers to prolong blooming. At the end of the season, you can cut the plant back to ground level.
Fertilizer
Stinking fleabane generally doesn't need regular fertilizing, as it thrives in poor soils. A light application of compost in spring is plenty to support growth.
Pests and diseases
This robust plant resists most pests well. However, watch for powdery mildew in excessively humid conditions, and spider mites in very dry climates. Good drainage and air circulation reduce the risk of fungal disease.
Did you know?
The name 'graveolens' literally means 'strong-smelling': stinking fleabane indeed gives off a pungent and unpleasant odor when its leaves are crushed, which is why it was long used in folk medicine against parasitic insects. Despite this unflattering reputation, it produces attractive little golden-yellow flowers that make it an appealing addition to Mediterranean gardens.
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.