Great Leopard Plant
doronicum grandiflorum
Also known as: ["Alpine Leopard's Bane","Large-flowered Leopard's Bane"]
Overview
A herbaceous perennial with daisy-like flowers, native to alpine regions of Europe.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","shade tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Asterales |
| Family: | Asteraceae |
| Genus: | Doronicum |
| Botanical Name: | Doronicum grandiflorum |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: border gardens, woodland edges, or rock gardens
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"0–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"4–8"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Moderately well-draining; avoid waterlogged conditions.
- Soil Type: Rich, loamy soil with good organic matter; well-draining but moisture-retentive.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: After flowering; as needed to remove dead or damaged stems.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; focus on tidying rather than heavy cutting.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light or partial shade; 4–6 hours of morning sun with protection from harsh afternoon rays.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to direct sun if moving from shade; avoid sudden exposure to intense light; provide dappled shade in hot climates.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
partial shade to full sun
Morning sun is ideal; shield from harsh afternoon sun; adjust based on season.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, avoid letting the plant sit in water, and adjust frequency based on weather and growth stage.
Soil
moist, well-drained, fertile soil
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure good drainage; enrich with organic matter; maintain consistent moisture.
Temperature
Cool to moderate temperatures, ideally 50–70°F (10–21°C); tolerates cold but prefers protection from extreme heat.
Protect from frost; avoid heat stress with shade; maintain consistent moderate temperatures.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Fertilize lightly during active growth; stop in winter; water before applying fertilizer.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or division of rhizomes.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in hormone (optional).
- Plant in medium.
- Keep moist and warm.
Best Time: Early spring or late summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm, humid conditions with indirect light; maintain consistent moisture.
Medium
Well-draining potting mix with perlite or sand; can also root in water initially.
Hormone
Optional but recommended for faster rooting.
Timeline
Roots develop in 3–6 weeks; new growth appears in 2–3 months.
Tools Needed
Pruners, rooting hormone, pots, well-draining mix.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain humidity; avoid direct sun.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Deadhead spent blooms; trim back straggly stems to the nearest healthy leaf or node.
Pruning Plan
Remove spent flowers to encourage reblooming; trim leggy growth to maintain shape.
Tools
Clean pruners or scissors.
Checklist
Remove dead flowers; trim leggy growth; clean tools before use.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins.
Pot Size
One size larger pot (e.g., +2 inches in diameter).
Method
Gently remove the plant; trim any dead roots; place in a slightly larger pot with fresh, well-draining soil; water lightly.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when the plant becomes root-bound; beneficial for rejuvenation.
Checklist
Check root health; use fresh soil; ensure good drainage; water lightly after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone without wetting foliage; allow excess water to drain completely to prevent root rot.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once the top inch of soil feels dry, typically every 7–10 days during active growth; reduce frequency in winter to monthly or as needed.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure for fertility; mix in perlite or sand for drainage.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, yellowing leaves, stunted growth, or flower bud drop in extreme heat; leaf damage or dormancy in prolonged cold.
Cold Stress
Slows growth, may cause leaf discoloration, and can lead to frost damage if temperatures drop below freezing.
Solution: Provide winter mulch for insulation; move potted plants to a sheltered location; avoid overwatering in cold conditions.
Hot Stress
Causes wilting, leaf scorch, and reduced flowering; may lead to dehydration if not watered adequately.
Solution: Increase watering frequency; provide shade during peak heat; ensure good air circulation.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer; apply during growing season; avoid winter feeding.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer; avoid fertilizing in fall and winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicDoronicum grandiflorum is not considered toxic to cats. There are no documented cases of toxicity in felines from exposure to this plant.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Dogs
Non-toxicDoronicum grandiflorum is not considered toxic to dogs. There are no documented cases of toxicity in canines from exposure to this plant.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Humans
Non-toxicDoronicum grandiflorum is not considered toxic to humans under normal circumstances. It has no known adverse physiological effects when handled or ingested in typical amounts.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does Doronicum grandiflorum attract pollinators?
A: Yes, it is highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
Q: Is this plant suitable for shaded garden areas?
A: Yes, it thrives in partial shade and can tolerate full shade.
Q: How should I care for Doronicum grandiflorum in winter?
A: It is cold hardy but benefits from a layer of mulch to protect the roots from extreme temperatures.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Asteraceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | partial shade to full sun |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
Get Expert Care Tips
Download the Plantious app for personalized care reminders and plant identification!
Google Play App Store
