Telekia speciosa aka Yellow Oxeye

Telekia speciosa is a tall perennial in the daisy family, Asteraceae. Its native range runs from Europe to the Caucasus. It grows in temperate climates and is not native to Britain or Ireland. Common names include heart-leaved ox eye and large yellow ox-eye. Its leaves die back rather than stay green through winter.

The plant forms a bushy mound with large, scented leaves. These range from broad oval shapes to heart shapes. RHS lists a garden height of 5–8.2 feet [1.5–2.5 metres]. Its shorter account gives a height of 6.6 feet [2 metres]. Plants spread 1.6–3.3 feet [0.5–1 metre] across. They take two to five years to reach full size. This broad form suits places with room for large leaves.

Yellow flower heads look like daisies with loose, shaggy rays. They grow in branched groups above the leafy plant. Chicago Botanic Garden records flowers from July to August. RHS places flowering in late summer and early autumn. These accounts show that bloom dates can differ between gardens. The flowers provide a bold display at the back of borders. Both Chicago and Missouri Botanical Garden list birds and butterflies among its visitors.

RHS recommends part shade and shelter from strong winds. Chicago also lists full sun as a suitable exposure. Keep the soil moist, but avoid soil that is too rich. The plant accepts chalk, clay, loam, and sand. It also grows in acid, neutral, or alkaline soil. RHS lists both well-drained and poorly drained moist sites. Chicago gives its water need as moderate. Its listed USDA range is zones 3–7. RHS rates it H7, its category for severe continental winter cold.

Use this large plant in informal borders or wildlife gardens. It also suits open woodland and areas left to naturalize. Moist ground beside ponds or streams offers another setting. Its coarse form may not suit a prominent garden spot. Care needs are low, with few serious pest or disease problems. Slugs may eat young leaves, and snails can also cause trouble. Taller plants may need support to hold their stems upright. Cut flower stems down after the blooms fade. Sow ripe seed in containers, or divide plants in spring. The supplied sources give no evidence on edibility or toxicity.