Doronicum falconeri
Family: Asteraceae or Compositae
What it is like
Doronicum falconeri is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7. It is in flower in May. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 0.5
Where it is found
Alpine slopes and rocks, 3300 - 4000 metres.
E. Asia - Himalayas from Pakistan to Himachel Pradesh..
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 0
Medicine
Rating: 1
The root is an aromatic tonic. It is said to be useful in the treatment of nervous depression.
Tonic: Improves general health. Slower acting than a stimulant, it brings steady improvement.
Other
Rating:
How it is grown
Thrives in sun or semi-shade in ordinary garden soil. Requires some protection from the strongest sun in summer. Succeeds in the shade of trees. (This last statement is somewhat suspect considering the plants native habitat.) Plants in this genus seem to be immune to the predations of rabbits.
Propagating it: Seed - surface sow in a greenhouse from April to June and make sure the compost does not dry out. A diurnal temperature difference is beneficial to germination. The seed usually germinates in 10 - 20 days at 20°c. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Division in autumn. Very easy, larger clumps can be replanted direct into their permanent positions, though it is best to pot up smaller clumps and grow them on in a cold frame until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the spring.
Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness: 6-9
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Moist