Sonchus fruticosus
shrubby sow-thistle
Overview
Sonchus fruticosus is an evergreen subshrub in the daisy family, native to Madeira, growing 5–7 feet (1.5–2.1 m) tall and 3–4 feet (90–120 cm) wide. Bare, woody stems are topped with rosettes of large, lance-shaped leaves 8–16 inches (20–40 cm) long, deeply lobed and toothed, glossy dark green above and paler beneath. The stems exude milky sap when cut, a trait of the sow-thistle group. In spring, branched clusters of yellow daisy-like flower heads about 1 inch (2.5 cm) wide rise above the foliage, followed by tufted, wind-borne seed. The plant has an upright, palm-like silhouette with foliage held at the stem tips. It is tender, damaged below about 28°F (−2°C), and grown under glass or in mild, frost-free coastal gardens. It needs full sun to light shade and free-draining soil, and wet winter ground or hard frost causes the stems to rot or die back.
Native Range
Sonchus fruticosus is native to Madeira, where it grows on cliffs, rocky slopes, and laurel forest margins. It is adapted to a mild, humid, frost-free oceanic climate.Suggested Uses
Sonchus fruticosus is used in frost-free coastal gardens, gravel and Mediterranean plantings, and large containers under glass for its bold, palm-like foliage, spaced 3–4 feet (90–120 cm) apart. It combines with other tender, architectural plants. Its tenderness limits outdoor use to mild, frost-free areas.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height5' - 7'
Width/Spread3' - 4'
Reaches mature size in approximately 3 years
Bloom Information
Flowering occurs in spring, roughly March to May, with branched clusters of yellow daisy-like heads above the foliage. The heads open over several weeks and draw bees and hoverflies. Tufted seed follows and disperses on the wind.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
Glossy dark greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 5-10 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
Sonchus fruticosus grows in full sun to light shade and free-draining soil of low to average fertility, with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. It tolerates drought once established and rots in wet winter ground. It is tender, damaged below about 28°F (−2°C), so it is grown under glass or in frost-free coastal gardens. Shelter from cold wind protects the soft growth at the stem tips. Watering is needed only during extended dry spells in the first season. Removing the oldest stems at the base keeps the plant furnished with fresh rosettes.Pruning
Old or bare stems can be cut back to the base after flowering or in spring to bring fresh rosettes from lower down. The cut stems release milky sap. Hard pruning of all stems at once leaves the plant slow to refurnish.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
late spring
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 7 gallons