© Gabriele La Grasta, some rights reserved (CC-BY-NC) · iNaturalist
Overview
Pentanema is a genus of about 60 to 80 herbaceous perennials and subshrubs in the daisy family, recently segregated from Inula and distributed across Europe, Africa, and Asia. Plants form clumps of upright stems 8-32 inches (20-80 cm) tall, clothed in narrow to lance-shaped leaves that are often hairy and aromatic when bruised. From early to late summer the stems carry yellow daisy-like flower heads 1-2.5 inches (2.5-6 cm) across, each with many slender ray florets surrounding a darker yellow disk. Several species, including P. ensifolium and P. orientale, were long grown in gardens under the name Inula for their long summer display and compact habit. The genus generally grows in full sun on well-drained soil in meadows, rocky slopes, and open scrub, and most species tolerate lean conditions once established. Spreading habits vary across the genus from tight clumps to slowly creeping colonies. Flower heads draw bees, butterflies, and hoverflies, and the dry seed heads persist into autumn. Some species can self-seed where conditions suit. Foliage and roots of several species have a long history of folk medicinal use.
Native Range
Pentanema is native across the temperate and subtropical Old World, spanning Europe, the Mediterranean, Africa, and much of Asia from the Caucasus to the Himalaya and China. Species grow in meadows, on rocky slopes, in open woodland, and in dry scrub.Suggested Uses
Pentanema is planted in sunny borders, gravel and meadow gardens, and pollinator plantings for its summer daisies. Lower, compact species suit the front of borders and rock gardens, while taller ones fill mid-border positions.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height8" - 2'8"
Width/Spread1' - 2'
Colors
Bloom Information
Flowering runs through summer, roughly June through September depending on species and climate. The yellow daisy heads open over several weeks and are followed by tufted seed heads that hold into autumn. Bees, butterflies, and hoverflies visit the open flowers.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
green to gray-greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-12 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
Pentanema grows in full sun on moderately fertile, well-drained soil and tolerates lean, dry ground once established. The genus needs good drainage and can rot in wet winter soils, though it withstands summer heat and short droughts. Most species are cold-hardy through temperate winters and return from the rootstock each spring. Lift and divide congested clumps every few years to renew growth. Plants may self-seed, so removing spent heads limits unwanted seedlings. Few serious pests affect the genus, though powdery mildew can appear in humid, crowded plantings.Pruning
Cut stems back to the base after flowering or in late winter before new growth begins. Removing faded flower heads through summer extends the display and limits self-seeding. Divide clumps in spring to renew older plants.Container Growing
Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 2 gallons