Smooth hawkweed
Hieracium laevigatum · Asteraceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant smooth hawkweed: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Family
- Asteraceae (Daisy family)
- Type
- Perennial herbaceous plant
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Flowering
- June to September
- Flower color
- Yellow
- Mature height
- 30 to 60 cm
- Hardiness
- Very hardy (down to -20°C)
- Origin
- Central and Western Europe
- Soil type
- Well-drained, dry to moderately moist
Care
Light exposure
Plant smooth hawkweed in full sun or partial shade for optimal flowering. It tolerates sunny, open locations well. Direct sunlight promotes foliage density and flower production.
Soil
It adapts to many soil types provided they are well-drained. Avoid permanently wet or waterlogged soils. Dry to moderately dry soil is ideal for this hardy and undemanding species.
Watering
Water regularly during the growing season, especially in the first weeks after planting. Once established, it becomes very drought-tolerant. Space out waterings in autumn and winter.
Pruning and maintenance
Deadhead spent flowers to prolong blooming. Cut the clump down to ground level in late autumn or early spring. Light cleanup of dry foliage improves the plant's overall appearance.
Fertilizer
Smooth hawkweed is undemanding. A spring application of well-rotted compost is sufficient. Avoid overly rich fertilizers that may promote foliage at the expense of flowers.
Health and diseases
This plant is very resistant to pests and diseases. Good drainage prevents root rot. In overly humid conditions, watch for powdery mildew or rust, treatable by removing affected parts.
Did you know?
The genus Hieracium takes its name from ancient Greek 'hierax' (hawk): the ancients believed these plants strengthened hawks' eyesight! This smooth hawkweed, with its sunshine-yellow flowers, was long used in folk medicine for tonic herbal teas, though its actual properties remain modest.
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.