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Serratula seoanei
Seoane's Saw-wort
Iberian Peninsula (Spain and Portugal; dry grasslands, rocky slopes, open pine woodlands)
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Overview
Serratula seoanei (sometimes listed as S. shoanei or reclassified as Klasea seoanei) is a deciduous herbaceous perennial in the daisy family (Asteraceae spp.) reaching 6–10 inches (15–25 cm) tall with a spread of 12–15 inches (30–38 cm). The habit is compact, mounding, and clump-forming. Native to the Iberian Peninsula (Spain and Portugal), the species occurs in dry grasslands, rocky slopes, and open pine woodlands. Deeply dissected dark-green fern-like basal leaves 3–5 inches (8–13 cm) long form a low mound that holds through the summer. Fluffy thistle-like flower heads 0.75–1 inch (2–2.5 cm) across in purple-pink appear singly or in small clusters on wiry stems in September–October, later than most perennials in the collection. Growth rate is slow; plants reach full size in 2–3 growing seasons. Hardy to zone 5. The Iberian origin and late-autumn bloom window make this a drought-tolerant partner for equally late asters and Colchicum spp.. Wet soils, heavy clay, and deep shade cause crown rot.
Native Range
Serratula seoanei is native to the Iberian Peninsula (Spain and Portugal), where it grows in dry grasslands, rocky slopes, and open pine woodlands.Suggested Uses
Grown in rock gardens, mixed borders, and dry gardens at 12–15 inch (30–38 cm) spacing. The late autumn bloom extends the season alongside asters, Colchicum spp., and ornamental grasses. The dissected foliage mound reads as textural filler from spring through summer before the September bloom. Container culture requires 2 gallon (8 L) or larger pots with well-drained mix. Wet soils, heavy clay, and deep shade produce poor results.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height6" - 10"
Width/Spread1' - 1'3"
Reaches mature size in approximately 3 years
Bloom Information
Fluffy thistle-like flower heads 0.75–1 inch (2–2.5 cm) across in purple-pink appear on wiry stems in September–October, either singly or in small clusters of 2–5 heads. Bloom duration is 4–6 weeks. The autumn bloom window is later than most perennials in the collection.Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Purple-pink, fluffy thistle-like 0.75-1 inch on wiry stemsFoliage Description
Dark green, deeply dissected fern-like basal leaves 3-5 inchesGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
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
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grows in full sun in well-drained lean to average soil at pH 6.0–7.5. Hardy to zone 5. Drought-tolerant once established. Lean soil keeps the foliage mound compact; rich soil produces taller, looser growth and fewer flower heads. Pest and disease problems are rare. Wet soils, heavy clay, and deep shade cause crown rot.Pruning
Cut spent flowering stems back in late autumn (November) after bloom, or leave standing through winter and cut back in early spring (March) before new growth emerges. No other pruning is needed.Pruning Schedule
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F
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fall
Maintenance Level
very lowContainer Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 2 gallons