Doronicum roylei
Family: Asteraceae or Compositae
What it is like
Doronicum roylei is a PERENNIAL growing to 1.2 m (4ft). 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): 1.2
Where it is found
Forests and shrubberies, usually along mountain drains, 3000 - 3600 metres.
E. Asia - Himalayas from Pakistan to Bhutan..
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 used in the treatment of altitude sickness.
Miscellany: Various medicinal actions that need more clarification.
Tonic: Improves general health. Slower acting than a stimulant, it brings steady improvement.
Other
Rating:
Miscellany: A rag-bag of items that are difficult to categorise.
How it is grown
We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it should succeed outdoors in many parts of this country. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Thrives in sun or semi-shade in ordinary garden soil. Prefers a moist soil. Requires some protection from the strongest sun in summer. Succeeds in the shade of trees. 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: Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge;
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness:
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Moist