Photo of Sonchus congestus by Annie's Annuals & Perennials

Photo by Annie's Annuals & Perennials

Used with permission, all rights reserved.

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Sonchus congestus

Plant type

shrub

size

  • H: 4'-7'
  • W: 4'-7'

planting zones

  • 9a-11

More Options

Sonchus congestus plant details

Sonchus congestus is a broadleaf evergreen shrub with green foliage. In summer yellow flowers emerge. Attracts bees, beneficial insects and butterflies making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun - mostly sun and regular water. Does well in average, rich and well-drained soil.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Sonchus congestus

Plant type: shrub
Plant family: asteraceae
Foliage: evergreen green
Mature size: 4 FT - 7 FT - wide, 4 FT - 7 FT - tall
Flowers: yellow blooms in summer
Uses: big leaves, container plant, easy-to-grow, tropical-looking, unique, year round interest

GROWING CONDITIONS for Sonchus congestus

USDA Zones: 9a - 11
Sun exposure: sun - mostly sun
Watering frequency: regular
Soil needs: average, rich and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

This mammoth Seussian plant from the Canary Islands looks like something the dinosaurs might have munched on – in fact, maybe they did! Large, lance-shaped, wavy-edged leaves spill from multiple 4-5’ trunks, topped by clusters of 4” yellow flowers that create a tropicalesque feeling. Sonchus congestus makes a strong architectural, tree-like statement (although it is officially a shrub). What an amazing specimen plant! Easy to grow, it thrives in well-draining soil and even takes a bit of drought. Perfectly suited for coastal climates - it’ll do best with full sun on the coast and less sun inland. Pollinators love it, too!

By: Annie's Annuals & Perennials

Gardening facts about Sonchus congestus plant

How to Grow Sonchus congestus

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun - mostly sun
  • Water Needs

    • regular
  • Soil Needs

    • average
    • well-drained
    • rich

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Flower Color

    • yellow
  • Wildlife

    • beneficial insects
    • bees
    • butterflies
  • Flower Season

    • summer
  • Foliage Season

    • evergreen

See other plant types of Sonchus for your garden

aka Cerraja

Plant Type

Perennial

Zones

9b-11

Size

Height: 3'-4'

Width: 3'

  • sun - mostly shade
  • low
Photo of Sonchus acaulis form by Danger Garden
View Plant

Plant Type

Perennial

Zones

9a-11

Size

Height: 4'-6'

Width: 3'-5'

  • sun - mostly sun
  • regular - low
Photo of Sonchus fruticosus flower, form by Annie's Annuals & Perennials
View Plant

Plant Type

Shrub, Perennial

Zones

9a-11

Size

Height: 9'

Width: 3'

  • drought tolerant
Photo of Sonchus arboreus flower by Annie's Annuals & Perennials
View Plant

More Options

aka Sow Thistle, Tree Dandelion, Tree Sonchus

Plant Type

Shrub

Zones

8b-11

Size

Height: 8'-11'

Width: 2'-3'

  • sun
  • low - drought tolerant
Photo of Sonchus canariensis by Danger Garden
View Plant

More Options

aka Dendroseris litoralis, Robinson Crusoe Cabbage Tree

Plant Type

Shrub

Zones

9b-11

Size

Height: 6'-10'

Width: 3'-5'

  • mostly shade - shade
Photo of Sonchus brassicifolius foliage, form by Daderot
View Plant

More Options

+2 more Sonchus
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