Pilosella lactucella
Pilosella lactucella · Asteraceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant pilosella lactucella: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Family
- Asteraceae
- Type
- Perennial herbaceous plant
- Flowering
- May to July
- Mature size
- 20 to 40 cm in height
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Hardiness
- Very hardy (-15°C and below)
- Origin
- Temperate and Mediterranean Europe
- Growth
- Moderate
Care
Light exposure
Position this hawkweed in full sun or partial shade for optimal flowering. It tolerates windy and exposed sites well. Bright exposure promotes flower density and plant compactness.
Soil and drainage
Prefer well-drained soil, even poor or rocky. This plant adapts to chalky or acidic soils. Avoid heavy soils or those that are constantly moist, which promote root rot.
Watering
Water moderately and let the soil dry between waterings. Once established, hawkweed tolerates drought well. During active growth, maintain gentle moisture but not excessive dampness.
Fertilizer
No fertilizer is necessary. This hardy plant prefers poor soils and excessive fertilization causes soft growth. A simple compost application in spring is more than enough.
Pruning and maintenance
Lightly deadhead faded flowers after flowering to encourage repeat blooming. Remove dead stems in late winter. Gentle cleanup maintains a harmonious shape without drastic interventions.
Diseases and pests
Very resistant, it mainly fears stagnant moisture which can cause rot. Aphids may affect it in dense plantings, but rarely seriously. Promote air circulation and avoid excessive watering.
Did you know?
The hawkweed has an evocative name linked to rapacity: in the Middle Ages, people believed that birds of prey, particularly hawks, used this plant to sharpen their sight. This legend inspired its scientific name Pilosella ('small hairs') and gave it a reputation as a 'clairvoyant' plant. In reality, it was mainly used as an infusion in folk medicine for various ailments, without particular botanical foundation.
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.