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Herbaceous PerennialSynonym

Aronicum scorpioides (L.) DC.
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

great leopard's bane

A tuberous perennial spreading by underground runners. Loosely-branched clusters of single, light-yellow flowers, from mid spring to early summer, are carried on upright stems, to 90cm tall, above mid-green basal leaves to 12cm long

Other common names
crayfish
crayfish leopard's bane
Synonyms
Arnica scorpioides L.
Aronicum scorpioides (L.) DC.

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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
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Yellow Green
Summer Green
Autumn Green
Winter
Position
  • Partial shade
Aspect

North–facing or West–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H5
Botanical details
Family
Asteraceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Clump forming
Genus

Doronicum are rhizomatous or tuberous-rooted herbaceous perennials with heart-shaped basal leaves and bright yellow daisy-like flower-heads

Name status

Correct

Plant range
Europe

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in any reasonably fertile moist but free-draining soil in dappled shade and sheltered from strong summer sunlight. Ideal for naturalising in open woodland but may spread in favourable conditions

Propagation

Propagate by division in early autumn or propagate by seed in containers in a cold frame in spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Coastal
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Prairie planting
  • Wildflower meadow
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Cut flowers
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

Deadhead flowers for a second flush of blooms

Pests

Slugs and snails may be troublesome

Diseases

May be affected by a leaf spot, root rot and powdery mildews

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