Inula (Inula verbascifolia)
Inula verbascifolia is a low-growing perennial valued for its silvery, woolly foliage and cheerful yellow summer blooms. A highly adaptable Inula.
Complete Plant Information
Overview
The Inula verbascifolia, often simply called Inula, is a charming, low-growing perennial perfect for adding texture and bright color to the front of a border or rock garden. Its most immediate appeal lies in its distinctive foliage—mounds of woolly, silvery-white leaves that resemble those of Lamb’s Ears, lending contrast to greener garden neighbors. This species spreads moderately, creating an effective ground cover for smaller spaces.
Blooming occurs reliably from July into August, showcasing cheerful, daisy-like yellow flowers atop short stems. The Inula verbascifolia is noted for its outstanding adaptability and ease of care, thriving even in average garden soils provided drainage is adequate. Gardeners prize the Inula genus, and this specific variety offers season-long visual interest thanks to its attractive summer blooms and unique, year-round leaf structure.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Asteraceae
- Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
- Native Range: Southeastern Europe
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 5-8
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 0.5-1 ft
- Spread: 0.5-1.5 ft
- Bloom Time: July to August
- Bloom Description: Yellow
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Water Needs: Medium
- Maintenance Level: Low
How to Grow
Planting Inula verbascifolia is straightforward, ideally done in spring or early fall after the threat of hard frost has passed. Locate these plants where they receive full sun, though they will tolerate partial shade. They flourish in average, medium, well-drained soils. Good drainage is crucial for ensuring the long-term health of this spreading perennial.
Care requirements are minimal, contributing to its low maintenance rating. Water regularly enough to keep the soil consistently medium moist, especially during establishment or hot, dry spells. Fertilization is rarely necessary; overly rich soil can lead to floppier growth and less abundant flowering. No significant pruning is required beyond occasional deadheading to tidy the plant after flowering concludes.
As winter approaches in colder zones (5 and 6), the foliage may die back. Cut back the dead material in late winter or very early spring just as new growth begins to emerge. Because Inula spreads gently, keep an eye on its spread rate relative to neighboring plants, although it remains manageable within its defined area.
Landscape Uses
The compact size and striking silver foliage make Inula verbascifolia an excellent choice for defining the edges of garden beds. It performs beautifully as a border front planting where its lower habit won’t obscure taller specimens blooming behind it. Its ground-covering nature also lends itself well to rock gardens, softening the hard edges of stone pathways or retaining walls.
Consider pairing this Inula with plants that offer contrasting textures and colors, such as deep purple Salvias, blue Amsonia, or fine-textured ornamental grasses. The bright yellow summer flowers of the Inula pop effectively against dark green or blue foliage. It is also suitable for providing seasonal color in mixed containers, though it may require diligent watering.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
Noteworthy Characteristics
Inula verbascifolia is a low-growing, spreading perennial (to 12” tall) which features mounds of woolly, ovate-lanceolate, silvery white, mullein or lamb’s ears-like leaves (to 3.5” long). Yellow daisy-like flowers appear in summer on short stalks. Genus name is the Latin name for this plant. Specific epithet means with foliage like the genus Verbascum.
Tolerances
(No specific tolerances listed in data)
Potential Problems
This plant generally demonstrates excellent resilience, as it experiences no serious insect or disease problems under normal growing conditions. This reliability is a significant benefit for gardeners seeking low-fuss planting options. Ensure robust drainage to prevent root issues, which are the most common challenges for herbaceous perennials if planted in heavy, saturated clay.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Inula suitable for?
The Inula verbascifolia is hardy and reliably perennial across USDA Zones 5 through 8, making it suitable for a wide range of climates.
How large does Inula grow?
This plant maintains a compact habit, typically reaching heights between 0.5 and 1 foot tall, with a spread ranging from 0.5 to 1.5 feet wide.
What sun exposure does Inula verbascifolia need?
For the best performance, provide Inula verbascifolia with full sun, although it tolerates and performs adequately in areas receiving part shade.
When does Inula bloom?
This Inula species produces its attractive yellow, daisy-like flowers during the mid to late summer, specifically blooming from July to August.
Conclusion
The Inula verbascifolia offers dependable, drought-tolerant performance combined with unique silvery foliage that enhances garden structure throughout the season. Its low maintenance and vibrant yellow summer display confirm its value as a superior perennial choice. Before planting, confirm that your site falls within USDA Zones 5-8 and provides the required medium moisture and ample sunlight for this excellent addition to the Asteraceae family.
Companion Planting
Selecting appropriate neighbors is key to maximizing the visual impact of the silvery leaves of Inula verbascifolia. Since this Inula prefers sharp drainage and full sun, pair it with other Mediterranean or drought-tolerant selections. Consider plants like Sedum, hardy Geraniums, or various ornamental Alliums whose structure remains strong when the low-growing Inula is acting as a dense ground cover.
The contrast in color is equally important; utilize deep purples, true blues, or rich burgundy foliage plants near the silver mounds. Good matches include perennial herbs like culinary sage or Lavender, both of which enjoy similar cultural conditions and provide aromatic benefits alongside visual appeal for your Inula display.
Propagation Tips
A major advantage for longtime gardeners is that Inula verbascifolia is easily propagated through simple division. This should be performed in early spring before new growth begins or in the fall after flowering has finished. Gently dig up the clump and carefully separate the rooted sections, ensuring each division has a healthy portion of roots and at least one or two active growing points.
These divisions can be immediately replanted into prepared garden soil where they are kept evenly moist while they establish new root systems. This method effectively manages the naturally spreading habit of the Inula while supplying free, robust new plants for other areas of the garden or for sharing with fellow enthusiasts.
