Wood ragwort
Senecio ovatus · Asteraceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant wood ragwort: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Flowering
- June to August, yellow flowers in corymbs
- Adult size
- 24 to 47 inches tall
- Growth
- Fast
- Hardiness
- Hardy (zones 4-9)
- Origin
- Mountains of central and southern Europe
- Soil type
- Well-drained soil, tolerates poor soils
Care
Watering
Water regularly during active growth, especially during dry periods. The plant tolerates some drought once established. Reduce watering in winter during dormancy. Avoid excessive water that could promote root rot.
Light Exposure
Place Fuchs' Ragwort in full sun or partial shade. It thrives best with at least 5 to 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. In very hot climates, light afternoon shade is beneficial.
Soil and Planting
Prepare well-drained soil, enriched with organic matter if possible. This plant tolerates poor and even chalky soils. When planting, ensure good permeability to avoid waterlogging.
Pruning and Maintenance
Remove faded flowers to extend flowering. At the end of the season, cut the plant back to 4-6 inches from the ground or let it dry naturally if you want self-seeding. In spring, clean up dead stems.
Fertilizing
Balanced fertilizer in spring is usually sufficient. This plant is not demanding and tolerates poor soils. Avoid excessive feeding which would unnecessarily lengthen the stems.
Diseases and Pests
Fuchs' Ragwort is not very susceptible to diseases. Occasionally watch for aphids or spider mites in dry conditions. Good drainage and air circulation prevent fungal problems.
Did you know?
The Senecio genus includes more than 1,200 species distributed on all continents, making it one of the largest in the Asteraceae family. Fuchs' Ragwort, named in honor of botanist Leonhart Fuchs (16th century), was traditionally used in alpine regions for its hemostatic properties, although its medicinal use is now discouraged.
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.