Sonchus fruticosus
giant sowthistle
S. fruticosus is a subshrub with bare, upright branches to 2m topped with rosettes of somewhat shiny, dandelion-like leaves up to 50cm long, and producing well-branched clusters of yellow, dandelion flowers in summer
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Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Yellow | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H2Botanical details
- Family
- Asteraceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Genus
Sonchus are mostly annuals with a few perennials and rarely a shrub. Most produce a basal rosette of deeply-toothed leaves, upright stems with clasping leaves and yellow, dandelion-like flowers
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Madeira
How to grow
Cultivation
Best grown in a container of free-draining, loam-based compost, standing outdoors in summer and overwintered in a frost-free position. However, if planted outdoors the roots will often survive even if the top growth is cut down by frost
Propagation
Propagate by seed
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Architectural
- Mediterranean climate plants
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Patio and container plants
- Sub-tropical
- Wall side borders
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
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