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Sonchus fruticosus

giant sowthistle

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

Other common names
shrubby sonchus
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Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.5–1 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
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

South–facing or West–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H2
Botanical details
Family
Asteraceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy, 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, peat-free, 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

Get involved

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