Hardheads
Rhaponticum repens
- Native to:
- Afghanistan, China, Cyprus, India, Iran, Iraq, Kazakhstan, Kirgizstan, Krym, North Caucasus, Pakistan, Russia, Tadzhikistan, Transcaucasus, Türkiye, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, Uzbekistan
Thayne Tuason
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Asteraceae
- Genus:
- Rhaponticum
- Species:
- Rhaponticum repens
- USDA Symbol:
- ACRE3
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb
- Height:
- 120 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- jun,jul,aug,sep
- Bloom Colors:
- pink, purple
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- bees, butterflies
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
- Salt Tolerant:
- Yes
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- poor, sandy, well-drained soil
- pH:
- 6.0 - 8.0 (neutral to slightly alkaline)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- thrives in disturbed areas with low fertility
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
- Germination Time:
- 14–30 days
- Notes:
- Seeds germinate readily after cold stratification; can also germinate without stratification but rates improve with cold treatment.