Pilosella piloselloides
Pilosella piloselloides · Asteraceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant pilosella piloselloides: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Family
- Asteraceae
- Type
- Perennial herb
- Foliage
- Deciduous to semi-evergreen
- Flowering
- May to September
- Flower color
- Pale yellow
- Adult size
- 30 to 60 cm height
- Hardiness
- Very hardy (-15°C)
- Origin
- Central and Mediterranean Europe
Care
Sunlight
Hawksbeard prefers a sunny or partially shaded location. It tolerates dry, bright spots well, ideal for promoting abundant flowering. Avoid constantly damp and dark areas.
Soil and drainage
This plant adapts to many soil types, provided they are well-drained. It appreciates poor, rocky or chalky soils, and dreads waterlogging. No need for rich potting soil amendments.
Watering
Water moderately when planting, then gradually reduce. Once established, hawksbeard is very drought-tolerant. During active growth, keep the soil slightly moist without excess.
Fertilization
This hardy perennial doesn't require regular feeding. A minimal application in spring is plenty if the soil is very depleted. In normal soil, fertilizer is unnecessary.
Pruning and maintenance
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage reblooming and prevent excessive self-seeding. Cleaning dead leaves in late winter keeps the plant vigorous. No severe pruning is required.
Diseases and pests
Hawksbeard is very resistant to common diseases. Its main risk is rot in case of waterlogging. Few pests attack it; good hygiene and adequate drainage are sufficient protection.
Did you know?
Pilosella piloselloides belongs to the genus Pilosella, whose Latin name literally means 'little hair', referring to the fine hairs covering the leaves and stems. In traditional European medicine, several hawksbeards were long used for their supposed tonic properties, hence its historical nickname 'hawk's herb'.
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.