Stony fleabane
inula montana
Also known as: ["Stony inula","Mountain fleabane"]
Overview
A perennial herbaceous plant native to Europe, characterized by its daisy-like flowers and stiff, lance-shaped leaves.
Benefits & Perks
["wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","aesthetic foliage"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Asterales |
| Family: | Asteraceae |
| Genus: | Inula |
| Botanical Name: | Inula montana |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: garden bed in a sunny spot, or container with adequate drainage
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"5–8"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent root rot.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with organic matter; tolerates poor soil but benefits from added compost.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring; light pruning can be done after flowering.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of the plant if overgrown.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily); tolerates partial shade but may produce fewer blooms.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to intense sunlight; protect from harsh afternoon sun in hot climates; ensure adequate airflow to prevent fungal issues.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plant for even light exposure; use shade cloth in extreme heat; avoid placing in drafty areas.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water thoroughly but infrequently; ensure soil dries slightly between waterings; prioritize deep watering to encourage root growth.
Soil
well-drained, loamy soil with moderate organic content
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Avoid heavy clay soils; ensure good aeration; test soil pH periodically.
Temperature
Prefers cool to moderate temperatures (60–75°F or 15–24°C); thrives in cooler climates; may struggle in prolonged heat.
Avoid sudden temperature fluctuations; protect from drafts; maintain consistent temperatures during active growth.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Fertilize sparingly; apply before new growth emerges; discontinue in late summer to avoid tender growth.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or division of clumps; seeds can also be sown in early spring.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone (optional).
- Plant in medium.
- Keep moist and warm.
Best Time: Late spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm, humid environment with indirect light; maintain consistent moisture.
Medium
Well-draining potting mix with perlite or sand; can also root in water initially.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is optional but recommended for faster rooting.
Timeline
Roots may develop in 3–4 weeks; establishment may take 2–3 months.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, well-draining medium.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain high humidity; avoid direct sunlight during rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Cut back stems to just above a leaf node or bud; remove spent flower heads to encourage reblooming.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushier growth, and remove dead or damaged foliage.
Tools
Pruning shears, gloves, disinfectant for tools.
Checklist
Disinfect tools; prune dead/damaged stems; shape the plant; remove spent flowers; clean up debris.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter; ensure good drainage.
Method
Remove plant gently; trim roots if necessary; place in a slightly larger pot with fresh soil; water thoroughly.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the container; beneficial for container-grown plants to refresh soil.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot size; prepare fresh soil mix; trim roots if crowded; water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure proper drainage; avoid overhead watering.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly at the root zone until water drains from the bottom; avoid wetting foliage; water in the morning to minimize evaporation and fungal risk.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once every 7–10 days during active growth, reducing frequency to every 2–3 weeks in winter. Adjust based on rainfall and soil moisture retention.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure soil is not compacted.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, yellowing leaves, stunted growth, or flower bud drop in extreme heat; leaf drop or cessation of growth in cold stress.
Cold Stress
Slows growth, may cause leaf discoloration, and can lead to root damage if temperatures drop below 50°F (10°C) for extended periods.
Solution: Provide frost protection in cold climates; mulch heavily around the base; move potted plants indoors during freezes.
Hot Stress
Leaves may scorch, wilt, or drop; flowering may be reduced; soil may dry out too quickly.
Solution: Provide partial shade during peak heat; increase watering frequency; use mulch to retain soil moisture.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use balanced fertilizer; apply in early spring; avoid high-nitrogen formulas; water after fertilizing.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring; avoid over-fertilizing, as Inula montana prefers lean soil.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats are sensitive to sesquiterpene lactones and may exhibit mild gastrointestinal distress upon ingestion of Inula montana. The plant is not highly toxic but can cause discomfort.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicDogs may experience mild gastrointestinal upset if they ingest parts of Inula montana. The sesquiterpene lactones can irritate the digestive system, causing discomfort but typically not severe poisoning.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicInula montana contains sesquiterpene lactones, which can cause mild gastrointestinal irritation and allergic reactions in some individuals. The plant's compounds may trigger inflammatory responses in the digestive tract, leading to discomfort.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How tall does Inula montana grow?
A: It typically grows to 30–60 cm in height.
Q: Does Inula montana require full sun?
A: Yes, it thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Q: Is Inula montana used in traditional medicine?
A: Historically, it has been used for its purported medicinal properties, though modern use is limited.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Asteraceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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