Description
1x seed packet containing 10x Sonchus fruticosus seeds.
Sonchus fruticosus, the Madeiran Tree Dandilion, is found over much of the island of Madeira, but is particularly abundant in the cooler and wetter Northern Laurisilva cloud forests. In habitat it can reach very impressive proportions with a thick woody trunk stretching well over head-height.
Large rossettes of Sow-Thistle type leaves are held on a woody stem. For us here in the UK this makes an extraordinary sight. Yellow flowers are produced in mid summer on the previous years growth.
It is worth highlighting that Sonchus fruticosus is a half-hardy plant. Top growth is usually frosted to the ground each year, although it has survived planted out in a sheltered position here in Devon with only minor leaf-scorch and has gone on to flower and set seed. The plant is now a multi-stemmed shrub. Established plants will regenerate from the roots after a cold winter.
Sonchus fruticosus seeds are easily grown. Sow onto a good quality seed compost and keep warm and damp. Germination can be erratic but is usually trouble free.
