Inula
( IN - yew - luh )
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At-A-Glance InformationInula, commonly called Elecampane, is a genus of large, flowering perennials that need full sun and little to moderate water. The flowers will attract butterflies to your garden. Rays of each yellow daisy flower are narrow, giving the flowers a spindly look, and are great for adding height to the back of border plantings. Flowers are cute in cut flower arrangements. They need little ongoing care if given well-draining soil. Take care when planting Inula in the landscape, as plant parts can cause contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals.
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Inula Species and Varietals
The genus Inula includes 80 species and is a member of the plant family Asteraceae. The best growing zones for Elecampane vary depending on the species. For more information, see the descriptions below. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.
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Inula helenium (Horse-Heal, Effdock) This widespread species is native to Eurasia and has naturalized in parts of North America. It reaches between 35 and 60 inches tall when in bloom and produces large leaves. Undersides of leaves are wooly. Flower heads are 2 inches wide and yellow. |
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Inula hookeri (Hooker's Inula, Hooker's Fleabane) This species is native to the Himalayas, India, Myanmar and China, and grows in a variety of habitats. The species name commemorates Sir Joseph Hooker, the plant hunter who brought the species back to Britain in 1849. |
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Inula magnifica (Magnificent Elecampane, Giant Fleabane) This species grows best in zones 3b-9 and 14-24 and is native to Europe. Reaches 7 feet tall and produces daisies on branching stems in summertime. Leaves reduce in size the closer they get to the top of the plant. Variety 'Sonnestrahl' is a beautiful garden cultivar. |
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Inula racemosa This plant grows best in zones 4-9 and 14-24 and is native to China, Afghanistan, Kashmir, Nepal and Pakistan. Plants are covered in small hairs and have large leaves that are streaked with red. Yellow flowers appear from summer through autumn. 'Sonnenspeer' is a great garden cultivar. |
Caring for Inula
Inula, or Elecampagne, can be grown from seed sown directly into the garden or be purchased as a specimen from a reputable nursery. Seeds can be started indoors, as well, about 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost of the year. In their first year, they typically only produce herbaceous growth, and in their second year, they begin to produce flowers. Inula grows best when situated in full sun.; ideally, they should receive between 6 and 8 hours every day. If grown in too much shade, these plants tend to become leggy and do not flower well. They prefer to be planted in well-draining soil that is moderately fertile with a pH of between 6.0 and 7.0. If local soils are particularly poor in nutrients or do not drain well, make sure to amend the planting area with plenty of organic compost before installing. Mulch around the base of plants to increase soil moisture retention, suppress weed growth, and to maintain consistent soil temperatures. Water new plantings regularly to help them establish a strong root system. At maturity, these flowers are drought-tolerant, able to get by on rainwater alone for most of the year. In extended periods of drought, provide supplemental irrigation.
Fertilize yearly in early springtime with a application of 2 inches of compost around the base of plants. Pull mulch back before applying, work the compost gently into the soil a bit, water it in, and then replace mulch. These plants are not heavy feeders, and this should be sufficient to provide the necessary nutrients for the active growing and flowering seasons. Prune off dead, damaged, or diseased foliage at any time to improve appearance. Prune of spent flowering heads as they appear to discourage reseeding, unless you will be collecting seed for propagation. Cut plants back in early springtime for a flush of new growth and flowering, and again later in the season if plants are looking leggy or haggard. Every three years, divide plants; for instructions on how to divide Inula, see the Propagation section below.
Fertilize yearly in early springtime with a application of 2 inches of compost around the base of plants. Pull mulch back before applying, work the compost gently into the soil a bit, water it in, and then replace mulch. These plants are not heavy feeders, and this should be sufficient to provide the necessary nutrients for the active growing and flowering seasons. Prune off dead, damaged, or diseased foliage at any time to improve appearance. Prune of spent flowering heads as they appear to discourage reseeding, unless you will be collecting seed for propagation. Cut plants back in early springtime for a flush of new growth and flowering, and again later in the season if plants are looking leggy or haggard. Every three years, divide plants; for instructions on how to divide Inula, see the Propagation section below.
Propagation
Inula seed heads dry out and turn brown before releasing seeds.
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Inula seeds.
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Problems and Pests
Inula plants are susceptible to developing issues with the following pests and diseases in the home garden:
- Powdery Mildew
Gallery
Inula plants are commonly planted in naturalized or pollinator landscapes.
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Flowers are typically yellow, with golden-yellow centers and thin petals.
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Bees are important pollinators of Inula plants.
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Videos
There are no videos available at this time.
Resources
The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Page 375, Inula
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