How to Grow Inula
Inula hookeri
Inula hookeri is a reliable, clump-forming perennial bearing masses of shaggy yellow daisy flowers from mid to late summer. It thrives in any reasonable garden soil in sun or partial shade, tolerating both moist and moderately dry conditions. Plant 60 cm apart in spring. Cut back after flowering to prevent self-seeding, or leave seed heads for birds. Divide clumps every four to five years to maintain vigour. Virtually pest-free and completely hardy.
Yearly Lifecycle
Care Essentials
Mulch with compost in spring. Tolerant of average soil and does not need regular feeding.
Watch For
- Slugs on emerging shoots
- Powdery mildew in dry conditions
- Self-seeding if not deadheaded
Companions
Grasses, Rudbeckia, Helenium, Persicaria
Care Requirements
Light
Sun or partial shade
Thrives in full sun or partial shade. Tolerates a range of conditions and flowers well even in lighter shade.
Watering
Tolerant once established
Tolerates both moist and moderately dry conditions once established. Water during prolonged dry spells in the first year.
Fertilizing
Compost mulch in spring suffices
Mulch with compost in spring. Tolerant of average soil and does not need regular feeding. Avoid overfeeding which promotes lush foliage at the expense of flowers.
Pruning
Cut to ground in late autumn
Cut back spent flower stems after blooming. Cut all growth to ground level in late autumn once foliage has died back. Deadhead to prevent self-seeding if unwanted.
