Doronicum (Leopard's Bane)
Early flowering herbaceous perennial. A vigorous bushy plant, with rich green heart-shaped leaves and bright yellow flowers. This old fashioned garden favourite provides one of the first splashes of colour in the herbaceous border. A good choice for flower arranging when little else is in bloom.
Family: Asteraceae (daisy)
Botanical Name: Doronicum
Common Names: Leopard's Bane
Flowers: yellow, daisy-like
Leaves: green, deciduous
Aspect: Full sun or dappled/partial
shade.
Conditions: Any fertile, moist but
well-drained soil (loam, sandy or clay).
Hardiness: Hardy throughout the UK.
Planting and Growing Doronicum
Easy to grow herbaceous plant. Plant in sun or part-shade, in a moist but well drained soil. Provide some support for the flowers of taller varieties, in early spring. Dead-head regularly to extend flowering period.
Ideal for a sunny border, lightly shaded border or a woodland garden. Compact varieties are also good for Alpine and Rock gardens. We recommend growing these plants a the front of the border or near a pathway, as the spectacular show of early blooms is always a delight after a dreary winter.
Taking Care of Doronicum
Protect emerging foliage in spring from slug damage. Dead head regularly to encourage ongoing flowering. Cut the stems down to ground level in the autumn.
Pests and Diseases
Powdery mildew may appear on the leaves. Dear and rabbit resistant.
Pruning
Remove the flower stems as soon as flowers fade.
Hard pruning can be done to regenerate new growth on untidy plants.
Propagating Doronicum
Propagate by division in early autumn or by sowing seed in the open in May-June.
Old established plants should be divided every few years to maintain vigour. Retain only the healthy outer pieces.
Popular Varieties of Doronicum
There are around 35 species of Doronicum, which originate from wooded areas across Europe and Asia. Popular varieties include:
Doronicum caucasicum compact variety with large flowers. Height 1-1.5 ft (30-45cm)
Doronicum 'Harpur Crewe' wide-rayed flowers from May to June.
Doronicum little leo compact and early flowering. Height & spread 10-12 in( (25-30 cm).
Doronicum 'Miss Mason' bright yellow flowers. Height 15in (36cm)
Doronicum orientale 'Goldzwerg' low growing, long flowering from late March to May. Height 6in (15cm).
Doronicum plantagineum flowers from April to June. Height 2ft (60cm)
Doronicum 'Spring Beauty' double flowers, compact habit. Height: 18in (45cm).