Inula magnifica (Magnificent 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 soils. 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, bog gardens, 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.