Hairy Fleabane
inula hirta
Also known as: ["Hairy Inula","Rough Fleabane"]
Overview
A perennial herbaceous plant with hairy stems and leaves, producing yellow daisy-like flowers. Native to Europe and parts of Asia.
Benefits & Perks
["wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","aesthetic foliage"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Asterales |
| Family: | Asteraceae |
| Genus: | Inula |
| Botanical Name: | Inula hirta |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: garden bed in a sunny to partially shaded area
- 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: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with added organic matter.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: low
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Light pruning can be done anytime; major pruning in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate, depending on desired shape and health of the plant.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 6–8 hours daily. Can tolerate partial shade, especially in hot climates.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to intense sunlight to avoid scorching. Place in a spot with filtered light or dappled shade during peak summer hours. Indoors, place near an east or west-facing window.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easymoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plant weekly for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter intense light; avoid direct afternoon sun.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water deeply but infrequently; ensure good drainage; adjust frequency based on season and weather.
Soil
well-drained, loamy soil with moderate organic content
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Use a mix of potting soil, perlite, and compost; avoid heavy clay soils; ensure pots have drainage holes.
Temperature
Prefers cool to moderate temperatures, ideally 60–75°F (15–24°C). Tolerates cooler conditions but avoid prolonged exposure below 50°F (10°C).
Avoid placing near drafty windows or heat vents; use a fan for air circulation in hot weather; monitor temperature extremes.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Apply fertilizer to moist soil to prevent root burn; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup; stop fertilizing before winter.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or division of rhizomes.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch stem cuttings with at least one node.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Plant in moist medium.
- Keep warm and humid. For division, separate rhizomes with roots and replant immediately.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm, humid environment with indirect light. Maintain consistent moisture but avoid waterlogging.
Medium
Well-draining potting mix with perlite or sand for cuttings; moist, loamy soil for rhizome division.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is optional but can improve success rates for stem cuttings.
Timeline
Stem cuttings may root in 3–6 weeks; rhizome division will establish in 1–2 months.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone (optional), small pots, well-draining medium, misting bottle.
Quick Tips
Use sharp, clean tools to prevent disease; maintain humidity with a plastic bag or propagator; keep out of direct sun.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Use clean, sharp tools to make cuts just above a leaf node or bud. Remove dead or crossing branches to improve air circulation.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushier growth, and remove dead or damaged foliage. Focus on removing spent flower stalks to promote reblooming.
Tools
Pruning shears, sterilizing solution, gloves.
Checklist
Sterilize tools; prune dead/damaged growth; shape as needed; clean up debris.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring, before the growing season begins.
Pot Size
Choose a pot one size larger (1–2 inches wider in diameter) than the current one.
Method
Remove the plant gently, trim any dead roots, place in a slightly larger pot with fresh, well-draining soil, and water thoroughly.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when the plant becomes root-bound. This encourages fresh soil and better growth.
Checklist
Select appropriate pot size; prepare fresh soil mix; trim roots if necessary; water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone. Water early in the day to minimize evaporation and allow foliage to dry. Avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal issues.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water moderately during spring and summer, allowing the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings. Reduce watering in fall and winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or coarse sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure soil is loose and airy.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Yellowing leaves, stunted growth, or wilting in extreme heat or cold; leaf drop in cold stress.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures can slow growth and cause leaf discoloration or dieback. Prolonged cold may lead to root damage.
Solution: Protect from frost with a frost cloth or move to a sheltered location. Ensure good drainage to prevent cold, waterlogged soil.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can cause wilting, leaf scorch, or reduced flowering. Plants may enter a state of dormancy.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat, increase humidity, and water more frequently to keep roots cool.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer; apply during growing season; avoid fall/winter feeding.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer). Avoid fertilizing in fall and winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicInula hirta is not considered toxic to cats. However, ingestion of significant quantities may lead to mild gastrointestinal irritation.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten in large quantities
Dogs
Non-toxicInula hirta is not considered toxic to dogs. However, ingestion of large amounts may cause mild gastrointestinal upset due to the plant's fibrous nature.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten in large quantities
Humans
Non-toxicInula hirta is generally considered non-toxic to humans. However, ingestion of large quantities may cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort due to its high fiber content and potential irritant effects on the digestive tract.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten in large quantities
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Inula hirta toxic to pets?
A: There is insufficient data on its toxicity to pets.
Q: How does Inula hirta grow?
A: It prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade.
Q: Does Inula hirta attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Asteraceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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