Inula | Heijnen Plants

Filters

30cm

Inula ensifolia Narrow-leaved inula

5-10cm

Added to shopping cart

3^35From

products found, click here to view them

Buy inula (elecampane)

Inula is celebrated for its vibrant yellow ray flowers that resemble daisies, adding a touch of sunshine to any garden. With its dark green hairy leaves and sturdy upright stems, this plant stands tall and blooms from summer to autumn. It's perfect for natural borders and makes an excellent choice for insect gardens and prairie planting. Curious about why it's often called "sunshine in flower form"? Discover how Inula can become the centrepiece of the garden and attract beneficial insects. Whether used as a sturdy border perennial or simply enjoyed for its beauty, Inula offers gardeners endless possibilities. Consider adding this summer bee plant to the landscape for a more vibrant and lively outdoor space.

What is Inula and how is it used in meadows?

Inula, also known as elecampane, is a plant from the Asteraceae family. It is often referred to as the large yellow daisy or wildlife meadow plant. In the garden, elecampane is popular for its tall and striking yellow flowers that attract bees and butterflies. These flowers are excellent for borders, group plantings, and natural gardens. Inula is found naturally in Europe, Asia, and North Africa, but it can adapt to various garden situations worldwide. Elecampane has roots that are sometimes used in medicine, traditionally for lung problems and inflammation. This herbaceous perennial has deep roots and a flowering scale that suits it for use in a low-maintenance garden. The name 'Inula' comes from Latin, with historical ties to medieval medicine, symbolising recovery and inner peace. In natural habitats, the large yellow flowers of Inula serve an ecological role by attracting pollinators. The plant is bee-friendly and grows moderately, making it a suitable choice for natural and wild borders. Gardening enthusiasts can find Inula roots for sale in the UK, and it's considered ideal for those seeking tall wildlife perennials.

Core features of Elecampane and other Inula types

Inula, or elecampane, is a perennial plant known for its bright yellow flowers and bee-friendly nature. The growth pattern is upright, with rough foliage making it a sturdy choice for natural and wild borders. Inula can reach heights between 30 cm to 200 cm, depending on the species and growing conditions. It thrives in group plantings and as a specimen in gardens, creating a low-maintenance, insect-friendly environment. The development of Inula begins from small rosettes, with stems growing upright over time. Its deep roots help it establish firmly, making it resilient in various soil types. It blooms from July to September, with factors like weather, soil quality, and care affecting bloom time. Warm temperatures and well-drained soils are ideal for optimal flowering. Inula's blooms are a vibrant golden yellow, influenced by the specific cultivar, soil conditions, and available sunlight. These yellow ray flowers resemble daisies, with dark green, hairy leaves providing a contrasting backdrop. Known as a summer bee plant, its scent isn't notably strong but contributes to garden biodiversity. Elecampane, synonymous with Inula flower, is valued for its medicinal uses and sturdy growth. The plant's flowering scale showcases its adaptability, making it a beneficial addition to any garden. The Inula is a robust garden plant with striking yellow flowers, offering a visually appealing and functional garden feature.

Inula has elongated leaves that are sometimes wavy and softly hairy. The leaf colour varies from fresh green to grey-green, which depends on its growth conditions. Inula is a vigorous plant with broad leaves that allows it to thrive in different environments, even tolerating wet soils. During summer, it displays daisy-like yellow flowers, adding a vibrant touch to any garden setting. Inula is winter-hardy, capable of withstanding temperatures from -29°C to -23°C, making it suitable for cooler climates. Its resilience is enhanced by its robust structure and its ability to tolerate some wind. Proper soil conditions with good drainage help Inula endure cold periods better. This plant is not evergreen and typically loses its leaves in winter. The leaf fall occurs due to seasonal changes, which is common for many garden plants. Its place in the garden influences its behaviour, as a spot sheltered from harsh winds can aid in preserving its foliage longer into autumn. Inula is fairly heat and drought tolerant, which is partially due to its origin and leaf texture. The softly hairy leaves reduce water loss, while its deep-root system enables it to access moisture from deeper soil layers. A well-watered and mulched soil aids in combating extreme heat and dry spells. Importantly, Inula is non-toxic, ensuring it is safe in gardens frequented by children and pets. It supports biodiversity by attracting insects like bees, contributing to the balance of garden ecosystems. Its long bloom period from July to August makes it a valuable choice for wildlife gardens, enhancing resistance to diseases and pests naturally.

How to use Inula in pollinator or prairie-style beds

Inula is a versatile plant that brings a splash of yellow to any garden. Its large, daisy-like flowers are not only eye-catching but also attract pollinators, making it a great choice for those looking to enhance biodiversity. Here are some excellent ways to incorporate Inula into garden designs:

Plant Inula along borders to create a striking, natural boundary with its tall, vibrant blooms.
Use Inula in group plantings for a prairie-style garden, where it can blend seamlessly with other wildflowers and grasses.
Position Inula as a specimen plant in an insect nook to provide a focal point that also benefits local wildlife.
Consider Inula for a low-maintenance garden, where its hardy nature requires minimal care while still providing visual interest.

Elecampane, another name for Inula, is known for its herbal uses. It can be a fascinating addition to a herbal plant collection with its long history of medicinal properties. The large yellow daisy heads not only look appealing but also serve as an excellent background in borders, adding layers and depth. To create an insect garden, add Inula to encourage bees and butterflies. Its towering height can act as a natural garden screen or backdrop, helping to break sightlines and create privacy. The plant thrives in well-drained soil and full sun, making it adaptable to various garden styles, including prairie planting. For those looking to buy elecampane, consider how its cheerful flowers and robust foliage can enhance garden spaces, whether as part of a natural border or as a key component in a prairie design. The herbal plant's presence can transform any area into a thriving ecosystem for pollinators and other beneficial insects.

Good combinations with Inula for bold natural borders

Inula is a lovely choice for a garden, especially when creating natural borders. It combines beautifully with other plants, adding interest and variety. Consider planting Inula with Eupatorium for a striking look. Eupatorium's tall, fluffy flower heads contrast well with Inula's bold yellow blooms. Another great partner is Rudbeckia. Its dark centre and bright petals complement the yellow hues of Inula, creating a harmonious mix. Persicaria is also a smart choice. Its slender spikes and rich colours balance the structure of Inula. Veronicastrum can add height and texture, making the border more dynamic. Filipendula’s feathery flowers are another excellent companion, enhancing Inula's vibrant presence. Together, these combinations make a stunning display. Each plant offers a unique texture and colour, creating a lively garden scene. Inula blooms long in yellow hues and is a sturdy tall border plant, perfect for adding height. It attracts bees, making it ideal for an insect garden. These combinations not only look beautiful but also support wildlife, enhancing the garden's ecological value.

Soil and site preferences for thriving Inula plants

Inula thrives in sunny locations, needing 6 to 8 hours of sunlight daily. A spot with full sun to light shade is ideal. This ensures the plant grows robustly, producing large yellow daisy-like flowers. While not extremely wind-sensitive, placing Inula near a windbreak can shield it from strong winds, which aids in upright growth. The plant favours nutrient-rich, well-drained soil, such as moist loam or clay. Regular fertilisation supports its growth, and ensuring good drainage helps prevent waterlogging. Moist soil is ideal, but it's crucial to avoid overly wet conditions, especially if the site is exposed to wind and direct sun. Inula prefers slightly acidic to neutral pH levels. Keeping the soil balanced in pH helps the plant absorb nutrients effectively. Monitoring and adjusting the pH can significantly influence its health and flowering potential. With the right conditions, Inula can enhance any garden with its tall wildlife perennial blooms.

How and when to plant Inula in wild or mixed areas

Inula, known for its striking appearance, is best planted in spring or early autumn. These periods ensure the plant establishes well in nutrient-rich, moderately moist, and well-draining loam. Inula flowers offer vigorous growth and are winter-hardy, making them suitable for various gardens. For pot-grown plants, planting can occur throughout the year, avoiding frost periods. However, those with root balls or bare roots should be planted during spring and autumn for optimal results. When considering plant distance, take into account the Inula's size at planting and its growth rate. Larger varieties require more space, often detailed on product pages like at Heijnen. Ensure a balanced planting scheme by considering these factors so each elecampane thrives. Sunlight is crucial, so place Inula in spots with 6 to 8 hours of sun daily, ensuring a balance between full sun and light shade. Proper ground preparation involves enriching soil with compost for added nutrients. Heijnen's planting soil is recommended. During planting, provide sufficient water and, if needed, add fertiliser to support growth. Regular care and attention ensure your Inula, or Inula yellow sneezeweed, becomes a sturdy border perennial and a summer bee plant, maintaining beauty across seasons.

Maintaining Inula: staking, deadheading, watering

Inula, or elecampane, is known for its large yellow daisy-like flowers that attract bees and butterflies. It blooms from July to August, providing vibrant colour in the garden. It's often used in borders, group plantings, and natural gardens, making it a favourite among gardeners.

Inula needs fertile, moist soil to thrive. It prefers sun to partial shade.
Support is needed for tall varieties. Staking prevents the plant from falling over.
Prune back in early spring to shape the plant. Use sharp secateurs to remove dead or damaged branches.
For healthy growth, apply a balanced fertiliser in early spring.
Water regularly, especially during dry spells. Check soil moisture by touching the top inch of soil.
For perennial varieties, divide the plant every few years to maintain vigour and prevent overcrowding.
Winter protection is typically unnecessary, as Inula is hardy, but mulch can be used in colder climates.
If transplanting is necessary, the best time is early spring. Ensure the new location has similar growing conditions.

The bright yellow daisy blooms of Inula’s charm

Inula blooms golden yellow and is a large perennial. Its daisy-like flowers have a bright, cheerful yellow that attracts bees and butterflies. The blooms can be a focal point in natural and wild borders. Inula has an upright growth and rough foliage, providing a strong presence in the garden. The leaves are fresh green to grey-green, adding texture and contrast to beds. This plant is a summer bee plant, offering nectar and pollen to insects. Inula's long flowering season makes it a valuable addition to a garden designed for wildlife. As a sturdy border perennial, it thrives in moist areas and blends well with other rough-textured plants. Suitable for backgrounds in borders, it's also a good choice for prairie planting and insect gardens. Elecampane, known as a herbal plant, grows moderately and provides a natural look with its rough appearance. Inula flower is a large yellow daisy, perfect for those seeking to enhance their garden with a wildlife meadow plant.

Favourite Inula types in UK naturalistic planting

Inula is a captivating plant known for its vibrant yellow blooms and robust health benefits. These plants are a popular choice for those creating wildlife-friendly gardens in the UK. The most well-known species, Inula helenium, also called elecampane, offers more than just beauty; it has historical medicinal applications that have been cherished for centuries. Inula is a versatile addition to any garden, particularly admired for its large yellow daisy-like flowers and deep roots that establish quickly. Here are some popular types of Inula that enhance any garden space:

Inula ensifolia: Known for its compact size, this species is ideal for smaller gardens. Its narrow leaves and bright yellow flowers add a sunny touch to any area.
Inula helenium: This is the classic ‘elecampane’ with tall, sturdy stems and large flowers. It is often cultivated for its medicinal use and can grow well in UK gardens.
Inula magnifica: Truly living up to its name, this species boasts intense flowering scale and performs exceptionally well in wildlife gardens. Its majestic presence is hard to miss.

These favourite Inula species are perfect for those wanting to create a tall wildlife perennial haven that blooms from July to August. The Inula plants are also known for attracting beneficial insects, making them a valuable addition to the ecosystem of any garden. All mentioned Inula types can be ordered online at Heijnen for anyone wishing to enhance their garden with these stunning, versatile plants.

Pros and cons of growing Inula in your landscape

Inula is a fascinating addition to any garden. This plant is known for its large yellow daisy-like flowers and its ability to attract bees and butterflies, enhancing biodiversity.

Advantages:

Attracts bees and butterflies, supporting pollinator populations in the garden.
Ideal for natural gardens due to its robust, wild appearance.
Offers a long flowering period, providing continuous visual appeal.
Strong performer in moist borders, thriving where other plants may struggle.
Resilient and low-maintenance once established, requiring minimal care.
Can be used as a herbal plant, adding variety to the garden landscape.

Disadvantages:

May spread quickly, requiring regular monitoring to prevent unwanted growth.
Large size can overshadow smaller plants, needing ample space.
Without support, can appear untidy, necessitating staking or pruning.
Appropriate soil preparation and careful placement can mitigate disease and pest risks. Proper plant care, including timely fertilisation, ensures optimal growth and blooms.

Consistently tending to Inula will yield a vibrant and flourishing garden feature.

Buy strong Inula plants online from Heijnen today

For those seeking to enhance their garden's natural charm, consider buying Inula. This plant thrives in moist borders and is a perfect choice for natural borders and insect gardens. It blooms between July and August, offering long-lasting beauty in any landscape. The deep roots of Inula make it a resilient addition to gardens. These tall wildlife perennials not only add height, but they also attract bees and butterflies, making them ideal for natural gardens. Inula, also known for its elecampane properties, is great for wildlife meadow planting. Its strong flowering scale ensures it stands out, even in background settings or prairie plantings. As a bee and butterfly plant, Inula supports garden biodiversity, giving life to any space. To create a stunning summer flower border, consider ordering robust Inula from Heijnen. This purchase promises a vibrant and lively garden setting. Order your robust Inula (Elecampane) from Heijnen and create height and a natural look in your summer flower border.

Ideal placement of a Inula

Inula thrives in a sunny or lightly shaded spot, requiring 6 to 8 hours of sunlight daily for optimal growth. A nutrient-rich and moist loam or clay soil is ideal. The ground must be well-drained to prevent waterlogging. Planted in spring or early autumn, Inula enjoys a vigorous growth with broad leaves, offering a lush addition to any garden. The correct location ensures richer blooms and healthier plants, adding vibrant yellow flowers to borders or natural gardens. Inula also fits well in insect nooks and low-maintenance gardens. Despite its love for moisture, it is winter-hardy and adapts to various soil types, although it flourishes best in fertile conditions. Planting Inula provides lasting colour and supports local wildlife, making it a versatile choice for garden borders or specimen planting. The right spot is crucial for the robust performance of this striking plant.

Planting a Inula

Proper soil preparation is essential when planting inula. Start by turning the soil to improve drainage and mix in compost for nutrients. This enhances water absorption and supports healthy growth. Inula thrives in nutrient-rich, moist loam or clay soil. It prefers a sunny or lightly shaded spot. Ensure the soil is well-drained before planting. Pot-grown inula can be planted year-round, excluding frost periods. For larger variants, ensure proper spacing to allow their growth. After planting, water the inula until it establishes strong roots. This perennial plant’s growth depends on good soil preparation, so don’t skip this step for best results. Regular watering will help the inula become a sturdy border perennial in the garden. Planting in spring or early autumn often yields the best outcomes.

Fertilising a Inula

Fertilising Inula is crucial to ensure healthy growth and vibrant blooms. Using organic fertilisers from Heijnen promotes the plant's vitality and fortifies its resilience. For optimal results, fertilise twice a year: once in spring and again in summer. The specific amount of fertiliser depends on the size of the plant. Rain helps release nutrients into the soil, so in dry spells, it is advisable to water the garden to help roots absorb the fertiliser. Regular feeding with organic fertiliser contributes to lush foliage and enhances the bright yellow flowers. Following this routine not only supports strong growth but also ensures that Inula remains a striking feature in any garden setting.

Pruning a Inula

Inula is best pruned in early spring. This encourages new growth and helps maintain its shape. Pruning also removes dead or damaged branches, ensuring a healthier plant. Regular pruning of Inula provides multiple benefits, such as improved air circulation and better light penetration, which can enhance blooming. To achieve the best results, use sharp secateurs or a lopper. These tools make clean cuts, reducing the risk of plant injury. A well-maintained garden tool is crucial for effective pruning. While the plant's faded flower heads can remain through winter for structure or as a seed source for birds, it is advisable to prune in early spring. This will help shape the plant for a new season. Always prioritise the health and vitality of Inula for a thriving garden space.

Watering a Inula

Inula plants have a moderate water requirement. It is important to water them regularly, especially during flowering or in dry periods. Newly planted Inula need regular watering to establish strong roots. Once established, they only need water during prolonged dry spells. It's better to water deeply and less frequently than to give them small amounts daily. The best time to water is early morning or late afternoon to reduce evaporation. Always check the soil to determine if watering is needed, and ensure excess water can drain away. This applies to both garden plants and those in pots. Drip irrigation systems work well once Inula are established, but newly planted ones benefit from additional watering. While Inula can handle short drought periods, long droughts can affect their blooming. Ensuring proper care helps maintain healthy and vibrant Inula plants.

The characteristics of a Inula

Inula is a charming addition to any garden, featuring bright yellow, daisy-like flowers. It thrives in moist borders and provides long-lasting blooms, attracting bees and butterflies. The plant is known for its natural and rugged appearance, making it a favourite in wildlife meadows. Inula is safe for gardens where children and pets play. This plant, rooted in medieval medicine, symbolises recovery and inner peace, adding an element of tranquillity to outdoor spaces. Consider elecampane for a garden full of life and colour.

Separating/dividing a Inula

Inula is a plant that benefits from occasional division to maintain health and improve flowering. This process rejuvenates the plant by removing old parts and promoting new growth. Dividing Inula also helps control its size and spread. To divide, dig up the plant carefully, separating the young sections from the older ones. Replant the healthier parts. It is ideal to do this every few years. The best time for dividing is in the autumn, although spring is also suitable. Important tools for this task include a spade and a sharp knife. Ensuring that the divided sections have enough roots will help them establish better in the garden. Regular division will keep Inula flourishing and vibrant.

The ideal variety for you Buy inula (elecampane)

Elecampane shines with its large, bright yellow flowers that resemble daisies. This robust herbal plant is perfect for natural gardens, attracting bees and butterflies. Its fresh green, hairy leaves and upright stems add a strong, natural look to moist borders. Blooming from summer to autumn, elecampane is ideal for backgrounds and insect gardens. Buy Inula (elecampane) from Heijnen to enhance your garden's natural beauty.

0203 455 22 48

Send an e-mail
[email protected]

Personal advice from
our specialists? We are happy to help you!