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Inula spp.

elecampane

Asteraceae Europe, Asia, and Africa

Attracts Pollinators Attracts Butterflies Deer Resistant

SunFull Sun – Part Shade

WaterMedium

HardinessZones 4–9

Overview

Inula is a genus of about 90 perennials and subshrubs in the daisy family (Asteraceae), native to Europe, Asia, and Africa. Plants vary from compact, front-of-border species 8-12 inches (20-30 cm) tall to bold, clump-forming giants such as I. helenium and I. magnifica, which reach 4-8 feet (1.2-2.4 m). The leaves are large, often coarse and hairy, lance-shaped to broadly oval, with the basal leaves of the tall species sometimes exceeding 18 inches (45 cm). Through summer the plants carry yellow daisy flowers with very narrow, thread-like ray petals around a darker yellow disc, borne singly or in branched clusters and ranging from 1 to 5 inches (2.5-13 cm) across. They grow in damp meadows, along streambanks, on woodland edges, and on rocky slopes, and most need full sun and reliably moist soil. I. helenium (elecampane) has a long history as a medicinal herb, its aromatic roots once used in remedies. The taller species can flop or self-seed freely and may need staking or deadheading to stay in bounds.

Native Range

Inula spp. is native to Europe, Asia, and Africa, with a concentration of species around the Mediterranean and in temperate Asia. Plants grow in damp meadows, along streams, on woodland margins, and on rocky slopes.

Suggested Uses

Inula spp. is grown in sunny borders, wildlife and cottage gardens, and damp or streamside plantings, where the yellow daisies draw bees and butterflies. The large species are used at the back of borders or in naturalistic schemes, while compact kinds suit edging.

How to Identify

Look for clumps of large, coarse, often hairy leaves topped in summer by yellow daisy flowers with narrow, thread-like ray petals around a yellow center. Size ranges widely, from low front-of-border plants to giants over 6 feet (1.8 m) tall. The slender, almost spidery rays separate Inula spp. from broader-petalled yellow daisies.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height8" - 8'

Width/Spread1' - 4'

Colors

Flower Colors

yellow

Foliage Colors

green

Fall Foliage Colors

yellow

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~8 weeks

Summer

Inula spp. flowers from early to late summer, generally June through August. The bright yellow flowers have narrow, thread-like ray petals and are carried singly or in branched heads over many weeks. Deadheading extends the bloom and limits the heavy self-seeding of some species.

Detailed Descriptions

Foliage Description

green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunFull Sun SunPartial Shade

Requires 6-10 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

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.0 - 7.5(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loam clay

Drainagemoist

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

2-3 years

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Grow Inula spp. in full sun to light shade on fertile, moisture-retentive soil; the tall species in particular need steady moisture and will wilt in dry ground. Water in dry spells, and stake the largest species, which can flop after rain. Cut stems back after flowering, removing spent heads to limit self-seeding. Divide clumps every few years in spring to maintain vigor. Most species are hardy to about USDA zone 4 and need no winter protection. Lean, dry soils produce smaller, sparser plants.

Pruning

Inula spp. is cut back to the ground in late autumn or early spring. Deadhead through summer to prolong bloom and reduce self-sown seedlings. Divide congested clumps in spring to keep them vigorous.