Leopard's Bane Doronicum × excelsum 'Harpur Crewe'
ABOUT
The plant known as Doronicum × excelsum 'Harpur Crewe' is a vibrant perennial that showcases a clump-forming habit. Its appearance is characterized by heart-shaped, medium green leaves that provide a lush backdrop for its flowers. The plant blooms in the spring to early summer, producing cheerful, daisy-like flowers with bright yellow petals surrounding a central disk. The blossoms are held aloft on slender, leafy stems that rise above the foliage, creating a striking contrast and adding a burst of color to the garden setting. The overall texture of the plant is lush and somewhat coarse, lending a robust presence wherever it is planted. The visual appeal of Doronicum × excelsum 'Harpur Crewe' is enhanced by its ability to fit well in garden borders and as part of mixed perennial plantings, offering a splash of sunny yellow that complements many other plants.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
Leopard's Bane, Great Leopard's Bane
Common names
Doronicum × excelsum 'Harpur Crewe'.
ToxicityTo humans
The Leopard's Bane is not widely known for being poisonous to humans, and there is limited information available on its toxicity. However, as with any plant, it is possible that some people may experience allergic reactions or skin irritation when handling it. Ingesting parts of the plant is not recommended, as plant compounds can sometimes cause adverse effects such as stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting. Always exercise caution and keep plants out of the reach of children to avoid accidental ingestion.
To pets
Leopard's Bane is not commonly known to be toxic to pets. However, pet owners should always be cautious with plants in the home and garden. If a pet ingests a significant amount of the plant and exhibits symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, excessive drooling, or changes in behavior, it is advisable to contact a veterinarian immediately. It's always safer to prevent pets from accessing any plants about which there is uncertainty regarding their toxicity.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Yellow
Height
2-3 feet (60-90 cm)
Spread
2 feet (60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4-9
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: The plant is known to attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, promoting biodiversity.
- Easy to Grow: Doronicum × excelsum 'Harpur Crewe' is considered low-maintenance, making it suitable for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Spring Interest: Blooms in the spring, providing early color and interest in the garden after winter dormancy.
- Herbaceous Perennial: Comes back year after year without needing to be replanted.
- Cottage Garden Appeal: Adds a traditional, rustic charm to gardens, fitting well within cottage garden design schemes.
- Tolerates a Range of Soils: Adapts well to various soil types, although it prefers well-drained, moist soil.
- Part Shade Tolerance: Can thrive in partially shaded areas where other sun-loving plants might struggle.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Dye production: The petals of the Leopard's Bane can be used to produce a natural yellow dye for fabric and wool.
- Garden design: Leopard's Bane can be used in shady garden areas to create a contrasting splash of color against green foliage.
- Photography: Due to its bright yellow flowers, Leopard's Bane is often used as a subject for botanical photography and plant portraits.
- Eco-friendly confetti: Dried petals of Leopard's Bane can be used as a biodegradable confetti alternative in celebrations.
- Educational tool: Leopard's Bane can be used in teaching botany and plant identification due to its distinct characteristics.
- Companion planting: It can be planted alongside vegetables in a garden to attract pollinators, thus improving the yield of crops.
- Art supplies: The flowers can be pressed and used in crafting, such as in making bookmarks or decorating homemade paper.
- Floral arrangements: The bright yellow flowers are often used in springtime floral arrangements and as cut flowers for indoor decoration.
- Nature crafts: The leaves and flowers can be used in creating natural wreaths and potpourri blends.
- Symbolic uses: Sometimes Leopard's Bane is planted in gardens to symbolize protection due to its association with warding off evil in folklore.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Leopard's Bane is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Leopard's Bane is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Positivity: Doronicum × excelsum 'Harpur Crewe', commonly known as Leopard's Bane, often symbolizes positivity due to its bright yellow flowers that are reminiscent of the sun, typically evoking a sense of cheer and optimism.
- Protection: In the past, Leopard's Bane was believed to possess protective qualities, and it was used in folklore to ward off evil spirits and negativity, which could be why it's associated with the protective symbolism.
- Renewal: As Leopard's Bane is a spring-blooming plant, it symbolizes renewal and the start of new beginnings that come with the end of winter and the onset of spring.
- Overcoming challenges: The hardiness of the plant and its capability to thrive in diverse conditions can make it a symbol for overcoming challenges and resilience in the face of obstacles.
WaterLeopard's Bane should be watered thoroughly once the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Depending on temperature and humidity, this may be approximately every 7 to 10 days. Provide enough water to moisten the soil to a depth of at least 6 inches, which could equate to about 1 to 1.5 gallons for mature plants, depending on the size of their root system and the container or garden soil's capacity to retain water. It's crucial to avoid waterlogging, as this plant does not like to sit in overly wet soil. During the dormant period in the winter, reduce the frequency of watering.
LightLeopard's Bane thrives in partial shade to full sun. It prefers a spot that receives morning sunlight and is protected from the intense heat of the afternoon sun. The ideal location would provide a mix of sun and shade throughout the day, with about 3 to 6 hours of direct sunlight, ensuring the plant gets enough light without being scorched.
TemperatureLeopard's Bane does best in a temperature range between 50°F and 75°F. It can survive in temperatures as low as 20°F and as high as 80°F, but extreme temperatures should be avoided to prevent stress. The ideal growing conditions would emulate its natural woodland habitat, which is typically cool and temperate.
PruningLeopard's Bane should be pruned to remove spent flowers and encourage a second bloom. Pruning also helps maintain an attractive shape and remove any diseased or damaged foliage. The best time to prune is immediately after the first flush of flowers fade, typically in late spring or early summer.
CleaningAs needed
SoilLeopard's Bane thrives best in a well-draining soil mix rich in organic matter with a pH ranging from 6.0 to 7.5. A mixture of garden soil, compost, and some perlite or pumice to improve drainage would suit this plant well.
RepottingLeopard's Bane typically doesn't require frequent repotting. It can be repotted every 2-3 years or when it outgrows its current pot to refresh the soil and provide more growing space.
Humidity & MistingLeopard's Bane prefers moderate humidity levels but is adaptable to the typical humidity found in a garden setting without the need for special adjustments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and keep soil consistently moist.
Outdoor
Plant in part shade, ensure soil is well-drained and enriched.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleDoronicum × excelsum 'Harpur Crewe', commonly known as Leopard's bane, begins its life cycle when seeds are sown in the soil, typically in early spring or autumn. Seeds germinate, developing into small rosettes that consist of basal leaves, which will overwinter if planted in autumn. Come spring, the plant grows upright stems and produces heart-shaped leaves along the stems, leading to the formation of flower buds. By late spring to early summer, the plant blooms with bright, yellow, daisy-like flowers that attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies. After pollination, the flowers develop into achenes, which are dry fruits containing seeds that can disperse to form new plants. Lastly, the plant enters a period of dormancy over the winter months, particularly in colder climates, often dying back to the ground before re-emerging the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Late spring
Propogation: The Leopard's Bane, specifically the Doronicum × excelsum 'Harpur Crewe', is commonly propagated through division. The ideal time to divide this plant is in the spring or autumn when the weather is cool and moist, which helps the plant to recover and establish itself in a new location more effectively. To propagate by division, carefully lift the clump of the plant from the ground and use a sharp spade or knife to slice the clump into smaller sections. Each section should have enough roots and shoots to grow independently. Once divided, replant the sections in well-prepared soil, ensuring they're watered thoroughly to encourage root development. It's important to give the new plants plenty of space to grow, ensuring they don't compete with each other for nutrients and sunlight.
