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Annual Biennial

Inula conyzae
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

ploughman's spikenard

A native biennial plant about 80cm or more tall, with softly hairy, stalked mid-green basal leaves and purplish stems bearing dense clusters of tightly packed, cylindrical yellow flowerheads, 1cm in diameter, from midsummer to early autumn

Other common names
baccharis
cinnamon root
see morelady's gloves
meddyg mair
Synonyms
Inula conyza DC.
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Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.5–1 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Clay
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Neutral, Alkaline
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Yellow Green
Autumn Yellow Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H6
Botanical details
Family
Asteraceae
Native to GB / Ireland
Yes
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Clump forming
Genus

Inula may be annuals, herbaceous perennials or sub-shrubs, moslty with large basal leaves and daisy-like yellow flower-heads, often with narrow ray-florets

Name status

Correct

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in moist but well-drained soil in sun or light shade

Propagation

Propagate by seed

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

No pruning necessary

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

May be susceptible to Powdery mildews in dry soil

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