Juno's flower
inula ensifolia
Also known as: ["Juno's flower","narrow-leaved fleabane"]
Overview
A herbaceous perennial with narrow leaves and daisy-like yellow flowers, native to Europe and 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 ensifolia |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: garden bed or container in partial shade
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"5–9"}
- 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.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically after flowering or in early spring.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; avoid heavy pruning unless necessary.
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 gradually to direct sun to prevent scorching; place in filtered light outdoors or near an east-facing window indoors.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
partial shade to full sun
Rotate plant for even growth; avoid intense afternoon sun; adjust light exposure seasonally.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water thoroughly but allow soil to dry between waterings; avoid overwatering, especially in winter.
Soil
moist, well-drained, fertile loam
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure good drainage; avoid compacted soil; enrich with organic matter annually.
Temperature
Prefers moderate temperatures (60–75°F or 15–24°C); can tolerate cooler conditions but avoid frost.
Avoid sudden temperature changes; protect from frost; maintain moderate indoor temps.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Apply fertilizer after watering; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup; reduce frequency in dormant periods.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or division of rhizomes.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take cuttings or divide rhizomes.
- Prepare medium.
- Apply hormone (if used).
- Plant and water.
- Maintain humidity.
Best Time: 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.
Hormone
Optional, but rooting hormone can improve success rates.
Timeline
Roots may develop in 3–6 weeks; establish in new pot after 2–3 months.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, pots, well-draining soil.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems for cuttings; keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Snip dead or overgrown stems at the base; trim to maintain shape.
Pruning Plan
Remove dead or damaged foliage to improve air circulation and appearance; shape as needed.
Tools
Pruning shears, sterilized scissors.
Checklist
Sterilize tools; remove dead/damaged growth; shape plant; clean up debris.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins.
Pot Size
Move to a pot one size larger (1–2 inches in diameter increase).
Method
Use fresh, well-draining soil; gently tease out roots if pot-bound; ensure drainage holes are clear.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; beneficial for growth and health.
Checklist
Check root bound status; prepare new pot with drainage; use fresh soil; water 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 at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; allow excess water to drain away; water in the morning to reduce evaporation and fungal risk.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once the top inch of soil feels dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or organic matter for fertility; mix in perlite or sand for drainage.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Yellowing leaves (cold stress), wilting or leaf drop (heat stress).
Cold Stress
Slows growth, may cause leaf discoloration or dieback in prolonged cold.
Solution: Move to a warmer location; protect from drafts; avoid overwatering in cold.
Hot Stress
Leaves may wilt, scorch, or drop; growth may slow.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase humidity; water more frequently but avoid waterlogging.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check season; dilute fertilizer; apply to moist soil; avoid contact with leaves.
Fertilizing Method
Use balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during growing season (spring/summer); avoid fertilizing in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicInula ensifolia is not considered toxic to cats. There are no documented cases of toxicity in felines after ingestion or contact with this plant.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Dogs
Non-toxicInula ensifolia is not considered toxic to dogs. There are no documented cases of toxicity in canines after ingestion or contact with this plant.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Humans
Non-toxicInula ensifolia is not considered toxic to humans under normal circumstances. It has no known significant toxic effects on human physiology.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How tall does Inula ensifolia grow?
A: It typically grows to 30–60 cm in height.
Q: Does Inula ensifolia require full sun?
A: It prefers partial shade to full sun.
Q: Is Inula ensifolia invasive?
A: It is not considered invasive but can spread moderately in favorable conditions.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Asteraceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | partial shade to full sun |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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