Doronicum orientale Little Leo

Doronicum orientale 'Little Leo', more commonly known as Caucasian Leopard's Bane, is a rhizomatous perennial plant that spreads slowly. It offers, early in spring, charming daisy-like flowers, double, of a very bright yellow. It particularly thrives in the sun, in well-draining soil.

Belonging to the Asteraceae family, the Caucasian Leopard's Bane 'Little Leo' bears compound head flowers composed of two rows of petals, which appear in spring, usually from March to May. They are carried by upright stems, measuring 60cm (24in) in height, and adorned with deciduous medium green foliage.

Native to Europe and Southwest Asia, it is an easy-to-grow plant, very hardy, at least down to -15°C (5°F), but its lifespan is not very long. It does not require any particular care, but if you take the trouble to remove its faded flowers, it may reward you with a second flowering in autumn.

The Caucasian Leopard's Bane thrives in sunny positions, in fresh and rich well-draining soil. It is not known to be susceptible to any particular diseases, but avoid planting it in heavy and waterlogged soil where its stump could rot.

In the garden, it forms very pretty spring borders where it complements the early flowering of spring bulbs perfectly. For a very graphic atmosphere, try it with Black Mondo Grass (Ophiopogon niger) and the amazing Persian Fritillary 'Adiyama' (Fritillaria persica 'Adiyama').