Cat’s ear (Hypochaeris radicata)
Cat’s ear (Hypochaeris radicata) is a perennial plant that can grow 10cm – 50cm tall and up to 10cm wide. In this growing guide we’ll learn the cultivation details and how to plant Cat’s ear (Hypochaeris radicata).
This plant has several common names including: cat’s ear, Australian cape weed or California dandelion.
This is a deciduous plant that takes 2-5 years to reach full maturity.
In this article
Plant profile
Common name: cat’s ear, Australian cape weed, California dandelion
Scientific name: Hypochaeris radicata
Plant type: Perennials
Habit: Bushy
Height: 10cm – 50cm
Spread: Up to 10cm
Foliage: Deciduous
Sunlight: Full Sun, Partial shade
Soil: Chalk, Loam, Sand
Moisture: Moist but well drained, Well drained
Garden type: Informal Garden, Wildflower meadow, Wildlife Gardens
Planting type: Flower borders and bedding
Seasonal colors
| Season | Stem | Foliage | Flower | Fruit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | ||||
| Summer | ||||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
How to plant Cat’s ear (Hypochaeris radicata) – Tony Rebelo, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Perennial plants are one of the largest groups of plants.
They offer color, shape, fragrance and seasonal textures. The variety is such that there are plants to suit all sizes and styles of garden.
Traditionally, perennials are grown in borders, using a wall or hedge as a backdrop to bring out all their splendor during summer.
But since most gardens are not large enough for long borders dedicated exclusively to perennials, they are usually planted in mixed borders and beds, along with shrubs, annuals, biennials, and bulbs that extend the season of interest.
Other types of Hypochaeris to consider:
See all Hypochaeris
How to plant
In this section we will learn how to plant Cat’s ear (Hypochaeris radicata), know its needs in terms of soil, watering and sun exposure.
Soil
Cat’s ear (Hypochaeris radicata) is not a demanding plant regarding the type of soil and can grow in chalk, loam or sand.
-
The chalky soil is pale and contains chunks of calcium-rich rock. It is a fertile and well-draining soil, almost always alkaline.
-
The loam soil is dark, rich in organic matter but balanced in minerals. It offers the best of all worlds, retaining enough water for the plants, but allowing excess moisture to drain away. This is the most desired type of garden soil, perfect for most plants.
-
Sandy soil is light, porous and very easy to drain. It is a soil poor in organic matter and nutrients. It is composed of relatively large mineral particles that allow water to drain quickly.
It is not very sensitive to soil acidity or alkalinity and grows well in soils with pH acid, alkaline or neutral.
Regarding drainage, Hypochaeris radicata likes to grow in moist but well drained or well drained soils.
Sunlight
Cat’s ear (Hypochaeris radicata) is a plant that should be grown in full sun or partial shade positions.
Cultivation profiles – Growing Cat’s ear (Hypochaeris radicata) – Eclipse2009, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
