Orange hawkweed - Hieracium aurantiacum - Organic perennial

"Orange hawkweed, also known as Hieracium aurantiacum or Pilosella aurantiaca, is a beautiful plant that flowers from late May or early June through September, and sometimes even longer. This graceful plant thrives best in a sunny environment, and in terms of soil acidity, it is surprisingly forgiving. Even drier and rocky soil, such as that of a green roof, is well tolerated. If you choose to plant it on a green roof, provide at least 6 cm of substrate.

Pilosella aurantiaca is distinguished by its beautiful hairy leaves that turn bright green, making the plant a standout in your green roof or garden. These leaves grow to about 15 cm long. In full soil, orange hawkweed, when fully grown, can reach a height of up to 40 to 60 cm, but on green roofs with thinner substrate, it will remain somewhat lower.

Although native to central and southern Europe, Pilosella aurantiaca has now acclimatised so well in Belgium and the Netherlands that it is sometimes considered native. This plant is extremely hardy and remains green even in winter. It is a perennial/perennial plant that continually self-seeds via fruiting fluff, similar to a dandelion, and also forms offshoots via a rhizome.

Orange hawkweed attracts several butterflies, such as the little fox, morning glory and the little pearl moth, which feed on the flowers. Moreover, this plant also provides valuable food for bees, making it both aesthetically pleasing and ecologically valuable for your green roof. With its flowering splendour, orange hawkweed adds beauty and utility to your green oasis."

BIO-NL-01