BBC Gardeners' World

Plant details

• Common Name: Inula
• Genus: Inula
• Species: magnifica
• Skill Level: beginner
• Exposure: full sun, partial shade
• Hardiness: hardy
• Soil type: clay/heavy, sandy, well-drained/light
• Height: 1.8m
• Spread: 0.9m
• Time to plant seeds: September to April
• Time to divide plants: October to April

Often known as elecampane, Inula magnifica makes a very large, imposing plant. The lower leaves can be almost 90cm (3ft) long and make a feature on their own before the plant comes into flower. Then, in late summer, the plant is topped with masses of large, bright, golden spidery flowers each 15cm (6in) across. Plant it as a specimen behind a pond where both foliage and flowers can be seen, or grow behind much shorter, moisture-loving plants in the centre of a damp border.