Oxford ragwort
Senecio squalidus · Asteraceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant oxford ragwort: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Foliage
- Deciduous to semi-evergreen
- Flowering
- Spring to early summer (April-June)
- Adult size
- 30-60 cm in height
- Growth
- Fast
- Hardiness
- Moderate (down to -5°C)
- Exposure
- Full sun
- Origin
- Sicily and Mediterranean islands
- Soil type
- Well-drained, even poor
Care
Exposure
Shiny ragwort demands full sun exposure for abundant flowering. Place it in an open spot where it receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. In partial shade, the plant will become leggy and flower less abundantly.
Watering
Water moderately during the growing season, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Once established, this plant tolerates drought well. In winter, reduce watering to the bare minimum to prevent root rot.
Soil and drainage
Well-drained soil is essential: mix potting soil with sand or gravel if your soil is too compact. This plant thrives even on poor and chalky soils. Avoid stagnant moisture at all costs in winter.
Pruning and shape
Prune lightly after flowering to maintain a compact form and encourage branching. You can also deadhead regularly to extend the flowering period. Hard pruning in spring rejuvenates old clumps.
Fertilization
A balanced fertilizer application in spring is more than sufficient. On poor soils, light fertilizer in early season stimulates growth. Avoid excess nitrogen, which promotes foliage at the expense of flowers.
Pests and diseases
This hardy plant resists pests well. Watch for powdery mildew in humid conditions with poor air circulation. Check for aphids in spring on young shoots. Good drainage and aeration prevent most problems.
Did you know?
Shiny ragwort originates from Sicily and has naturalized in England and France, where it colonizes old walls and rocky areas. This 'benign invasive' fascinates botanists because it established and adapted rapidly in Northern Europe since only the 19th century, becoming a textbook example of an exotic plant successfully naturalized.
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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Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.