Doronicum 'Miss Mason'
This plant is an invaluable part of our spring planting in the Cottage Garden. The bright yellow daisies look lovely among the fresh greens of the spring foliage, and with other plants that flower at the same time such as pink Chaerophyllum hirsutum 'Roseum' and blue Myosotis.
It grows against one of our stone walls, harmonising with the soft buffs and blue-greys of the stone. Complementary plants growing on top of the wall above include white Anthemis, also with daisy-like flowers.
Vital statistics
- Common name
- Leopard’s bane ‘Miss Mason’
- Family
- Asteraceae
- Height & spread
- 60cm high and wide
- Form
- Herbaceous perennial
- Soil
- Moist but well-drained, humus-rich
- Aspect
- Partial shade
- Hardiness
- Fully hardy
Doronicum
Doronicum are herbaceous perennials with heart-shaped leaves and bright yellow, daisy-like flowers. There are about 35 species and they come from woodland to heathy and rocky sites across Europe, S W Asia and Siberia.
With its common name of leopard’s bane, the genus was thought to be useful in destroying and warding off wild beasts.
Doronicum 'Miss Mason'
'Miss Mason' is a hardy herbaceous perennial to 45cm, forming a clump of fresh green, heart-shaped leaves beneath abundant bright yellow daisies 6-8cm in width in mid- to late spring.
Cultivation
- Grow in moist but well-drained, humus-rich soil in partial shade
- Deadhead to encourage a second flush of blooms
- Generally pest free but can get leaf and bud eelworm
- May be affected by a leaf spot, root rot and powdery mildews
Propagation
AGM
The RHS Herbaceous Plant Committee awarded Doronicum 'Miss Mason' an Award of Garden Merit and described it as a:
'Hardy herbaceous perennial to 45cm, forming a clump of fresh green, heart-shaped leaves beneath abundant bright yellow daisies 5cm wide.'