Inula magnifica (Magnificent Elecampane)
Giant Inula, Magnificent Elecampane, Giant Fleabane, Showy Elecampane
Adding architectural interest to the garden, Inula magnifica (Magnificent Elecampane) is a robust, upright perennial boasting tall, branching purplish stems clad with hairy ovate leaves, 10 in. long (25 cm). The basal leaves can almost reach 3 ft. (90cm), and provide interest when the plant in not in bloom. In mid to late summer, the plant is topped with showy flower clusters (corymbs) of 8-20 large blooms. Quivering and shimmering in the wind, each flower head, 6 in. across (15 cm), features a deep yellow disc surrounded by fine well-spaced golden yellow ray flowers. Clump-forming, this is truly a 'magnificent' perennial for the back of beds and borders or as a specimen near ponds and streams.
- Grows up to 6 ft. tall (180 cm) and 3 ft. wide (90 cm). May require staking.
- Enjoys full sun in deep, fertile, moist but well-drained soil. Will also tolerate boggy conditions.
- Provides a lovely vertical accent in the garden. Very useful and adaptable, it is well suited for beds and borders, cottage gardens, wildlife gardens, prairies and meadows.
- Generally trouble free. Keep an eye out for powdery mildews.
- Cut back old stems and foliage as the plant dies back for the winter.
- Propagate by seed in spring, or as soon as ripe in autumn, and sow into containers in a cold frame. Propagate by division in spring or autumn. Propagate by seed in pots in a cold frame in late spring to early summer. Propagate by division in early spring or fall.
- Native to Europe, Caucasus.
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Requirements
Hardiness | 5
– 8 |
---|---|
Heat Zones | 5
– 8 |
Climate Zones | 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 |
Plant Type | Perennials |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest |
Summer (Mid,Late) |
Height | 5' – 6' (150cm – 180cm) |
Spread | 2' – 3' (60cm – 90cm) |
Spacing | 36" (90cm) |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Average |
Soil Type | Loam |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Poorly Drained |
Characteristics | Showy |
Tolerance | Wet Soil |
Attracts | Butterflies |
Garden Uses | Beds and Borders, Ponds and Streams |
Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow |
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While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
Requirements
Hardiness | 5
– 8 |
---|---|
Heat Zones | 5
– 8 |
Climate Zones | 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 |
Plant Type | Perennials |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest |
Summer (Mid,Late) |
Height | 5' – 6' (150cm – 180cm) |
Spread | 2' – 3' (60cm – 90cm) |
Spacing | 36" (90cm) |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Average |
Soil Type | Loam |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Poorly Drained |
Characteristics | Showy |
Tolerance | Wet Soil |
Attracts | Butterflies |
Garden Uses | Beds and Borders, Ponds and Streams |
Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow |