Great false leopardbane
Doronicum pardalianches · Asteraceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant great false leopardbane: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Flowering
- Spring (April-May)
- Adult size
- 60-90 cm in height
- Growth
- Fast
- Hardiness
- Very hardy (-15°C and below)
- Origin
- Central and southern Europe
- Soil type
- Rich, well-drained, fresh
Care
Exposure
Doronicum prefers a location in partial shade or dappled light, ideally under the canopy of deciduous trees. It tolerates sun in cool, humid climates, but in warm regions, shade becomes essential to prevent foliage from drying out.
Watering
Keep the soil fresh and moist, especially during spring growth and flower emergence. Reduce watering after flowering and in summer, as the plant enters dormancy. Avoid excess water that promotes rhizome rot.
Soil and planting
Choose soil rich in organic matter, well-structured and well-drained. Improve poor soil with compost or well-rotted manure. Doronicum appreciates slight moisture but dreads chronic waterlogging.
Pruning and cutting
Remove spent flowers to extend blooming. After flowering, you can cut back the plant to create a more compact shape. In autumn, leave foliage in place to protect underground buds, then clean up in spring.
Fertilizer
An application of rich compost in autumn or early spring is usually sufficient. Light fertilizing in spring can support growth if soil is poor, but avoid excess nitrogen which weakens flowering.
Diseases and pests
Doronicum is generally robust. Watch for slugs and snails in spring, particularly fond of young shoots. Powdery mildew can appear in stagnant humid conditions; improve air circulation if needed.
Did you know?
The name 'pardalianches' literally means 'leopard-killer' in ancient Greek, revealing a medieval reputation where the plant was supposedly endowed with poisonous properties against big cats. Herbalists of old used it to make balms and poultices, though its actual effectiveness is doubtful—it was more legend than science.
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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- WormwoodArtemisia absinthium
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.