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The shop is now closed. The listing here is for information only. Please see the Home Page for more information.
The shop is now closed. The listing here is for information only. Please see the Home Page for more information.
Inula Hookeri | ||||||||||||
Hooker's inula, Hooker's fleabane | ||||||||||||
Lovely! | ||||||||||||
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This beautiful plant deserves to be better known. The soft, downy stems bear masses of 2 inch diameter bright-yellow daisy-like flowers from late summer to autumn, which go on to develop equally attractive, cream-coloured, fluffy seed heads. The flowers are much loved by butterflies and bees, and the seeds by birds - so it's a win-win as far as wildlife friendliness is concerned! Try to find a site that allows for spread; this plant can be somewhat invasive, but it is not too difficult to dig out off-shoots that stray too far (and perhaps offer them to friends and neighbours!). Some sources recommend planting in part shade - mine have always thrived in full sun, in a not particularly moist area. | ||||||||||||
Sowing and/or growing instructions | ||||||||||||
Sow in Autumn or Spring, pressing gently into the surface of moist, but not waterlogged, compost. Cover with a very thin layer of vermiculite or sifted compost (light is required for germination, which usually takes 1-6 weeks). Seal in a plastic bag or place in a propagator at about 65F/18C. Alternatively, simply place the sown pot in a cold frame and await germination. Prick out seedlings into individual pots and grow on until sturdy plants have developed, which can then be planted in their final positions. |