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Francoa sonchifolia
Chilean bridalwreath
Central Chile (moist valley slopes and hillsides)
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Overview
Francoa sonchifolia is Chilean bridalwreath (wedding flower), growing 18–36 inches (45–90 cm) tall in flower and 18–24 inches (45–60 cm) wide. Slender erect racemes bearing 20–80 pale to mid-pink 4-petaled flowers, each 0.5–0.75 inch (12–18 mm), with a darker pink or red blotch on each petal. The racemes rise above an evergreen basal rosette of large sinuate-lobed (wavy-edged) dark green leaves 8–16 inches (20–40 cm) — the species name 'sonchifolia' refers to the leaf resemblance to sowthistle (Sonchus). In the family Francoaceae (formerly placed in Saxifragaceae). Endemic to central Chile, growing on moist valley slopes. The wand-like flower racemes have been used in bridal bouquets in Chile — the common name references this tradition. A white-flowered form also exists. Blooms from midsummer through early autumn (July–September), with racemes opening from the base upward over 4–8 weeks. Evergreen in mild winters; damaged below 23°F (−5°C) — mulch the crown in zones 7–8 for winter protection. Full sun is tolerated in cool maritime climates with consistent moisture, but heat stress occurs in hot dry conditions. Not drought-tolerant — requires consistent moisture. Divide congested clumps every 3–4 years in early spring. Non-toxic. Zones 7–10. Growth rate is moderate.
Native Range
Endemic to central Chile, growing on moist sheltered valley slopes, scrub margins, and rocky streamside habitats at low to moderate elevations.Suggested Uses
Grown in sheltered borders and courtyard gardens in zones 7–10. The wand-like pink racemes are long-lasting as cut flowers. Container-suited where winter shelter is available. Partial shade. Consistent moisture. Non-toxic.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1'6" - 3'
Width/Spread1'6" - 2'
Reaches mature size in approximately 2 years
Bloom Information
Summer to early autumn (July–September), lasting 6–8 weeks. Racemes open from the base upward. Pale to mid-pink 4-petaled flowers with darker blotches. The racemes are long-lasting as cut flowers.Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Pale to mid-pink, 4-petaled, each petal with a darker pink or red blotchFoliage Description
Dark green, sinuate-lobed (wavy-edged), 8-16 inches (20-40 cm), sowthistle-like textureGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 2-6 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Partial shade to full sun in cool climates with consistent moisture. Heat and drought cause stress. Evergreen in mild winters — mulch the crown in zones 7–8 for frost protection below 23°F (−5°C). Divide congested clumps every 3–4 years in early spring. Top-dress with compost in spring. Non-toxic. Zones 7–10.Pruning
Remove spent flower racemes by cutting to the base after bloom. Remove damaged or yellowing basal leaves in autumn or early spring. The evergreen rosette requires no winter cutback.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
fallearly spring
Maintenance Level
lowContainer Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 5 gallons