Orange hawkweed
Pilosella aurantiaca · Asteraceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant orange hawkweed: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Scientific name
- Pilosella aurantiaca
- Family
- Asteraceae
- Form
- Perennial herbaceous plant
- Flowering
- June to August
- Flower color
- Bright orange to red-orange
- Mature size
- 30 to 60 cm in height
- Hardiness
- Very hardy (down to -20°C)
- Origin
- Alps and mountainous regions of Central Europe
Care
Sunlight
Orange hawkweed thrives in full sun or partial shade. It prefers a bright location to achieve abundant flowering and intense colors. It tolerates windy situations and climatic variations well.
Soil and drainage
It adapts to most soils, but prefers well-drained, even poor or stony terrain. It tolerates dry and lean soils, typical of mountainous environments. Avoid constantly moist or waterlogged soils.
Watering
Once established, orange hawkweed is very resistant to drought. Water moderately during the first year to promote root development. After that, occasional watering is sufficient, except during prolonged periods of extreme heat.
Fertilization
This plant doesn't require regular fertilizer, as it thrives in poor soils. A moderate application of compost in spring is sufficient. Avoid overly rich fertilizers, which promote foliage at the expense of flowering.
Pruning and cleanup
Remove faded flowers to extend the flowering period. In late autumn or early spring, cut dead stems at the base. You can rejuvenate the clump every 3 to 4 years by dividing it in spring.
Pests and diseases
Orange hawkweed is hardy and rarely subject to diseases. Occasionally check for the absence of aphids on young shoots. Good drainage prevents any risk of root rot. It's a naturally undemanding and robust plant.
Did you know?
Orange hawkweed is native to the Alps where it colonizes alpine meadows and rocky scree. Its name "Pilosella" means "small hair" in Latin, referring to its stems and leaves covered with fine hairs. This characteristic allows it to conserve water at altitude, explaining its exceptional hardiness and ability to thrive in extreme conditions.
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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- SneezewortAchillea ptarmica
- Canadian goldenrodSolidago canadensis
- WormwoodArtemisia absinthium
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.