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Herbaceous Perennial

Pulicaria dysenterica
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

common fleabane

A distinctly downy perennial 50-90cm tall, with creeping rhizomes and slightly heart-shaped, wavy-edged leaves that clasp the stems. Woolly flowering stems reach up to 1m in height with clusters of flat, yellow, daisy-like flower heads with short ray petals and are borne from midsummer to early autumn

Other common names
greater fleabane
wild marigold
Synonyms
Inula dysenterica
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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.5–1 metres
Growing conditions
Clay
Loam
Moisture
Poorly–drained, Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Yellow Green
Autumn Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

East–facing or South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H6
Botanical details
Family
Asteraceae
Native to GB / Ireland
Yes
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy
Genus

Pulicaria are perennials with a preference for damp to marshy conditions. Growing to a height of around 50 to 90cm, they have hairy stems and lanceolate leaves with a wavy edge to them. The yellow flowers are short-lived appearing between August and September on long, thin stems. Flower heads are yellow and daisy-like, growing between 2 and 3 cm in width.

Name status

Correct

How to grow

Cultivation

Grows naturally in wet marshy ground and enjoys sunny locations with reliably moist soil but can tolerate a range of soil conditions

Propagation

Propagate by division or propagate by seed

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Wildflower meadow
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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