I always like to see the bright jolly flowers of Doronicum, or Leopard's Bane, in late Spring - it's the first of the herbaceous perennials to flower. I'm surprised that it's not more popular, as it does flower quite a bit before even the early subjects in the border. One of the problems is that it's about the same colour and size as the dreaded dandelion, which is in flower at the same time, but it's really well worth having, bridging the gap, as it does, between the spring bulbs and summer perennials. It grows pretty well anywhere, mine is under trees, in light shade. It makes a large clump in just a few years, and can be divided after flowering. I think mine's the ordinary sort, but several named varietes are available.
Just in case you didn't realize it, I'm learning an awful lot from you. Off to see if Leopard's Bane exists on this side of the pond.
ReplyDeleteThis is new to me. In my lawns I have the best crop of dandelions in Pennsylvania, so I don't know if Leopard's Bane would work for me. Great information. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteDandelions themselves are a good bee plant. I think they look beautiful and are worthy of a place in anyones garden. The young leaves can be used in salads and the roots can be used to make a drink too.
ReplyDeleteNorm
Thanks Louise, glad to be of help, hope you find the plant
ReplyDeletePam -I'm sure it would look good over there too , but see Norm's comment about dandelions
Hi Norm - Now I feel guilty for not mentioning how useful dandelions are for bees, as a beekeeper myself I should have done, a weed is only a wild flower in the wrong place, and generally I love to see them, but like most gardeners, I can't be doing with them in my flower borders. Got loads in the lawn though..!