Picris hispanica
Care, watering, light and tips for Picris hispanica on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Asteraceae
- Difficulty: Easy to care for
- Watering: every 3 days
- Light: Full sun
- Temperature: 0–35 °C
About Picris hispanica
Picris hispanica, commonly known as Spanish Oxtongue, is an annual or biennial herbaceous plant belonging to the Asteraceae family. It features lobed basal leaves and bright yellow flowers arranged in capitula, resembling small dandelions. It is ideal for wild gardens, rockeries, or as part of naturalized meadows where its cheerful blooms can stand out.
Native range
Mediterranean region, including the Iberian Peninsula and North Africa.
Care tips
It requires full sun exposure for optimal flowering, although it tolerates light partial shade. Watering should be moderate, allowing the substrate to dry slightly between waterings, as it is quite drought-tolerant once established. It prefers well-drained soils, even poor or calcareous ones. A common mistake is overwatering, which can lead to root rot.
How to save a dying Picris hispanica
- Warning signs
- Wilted or yellowing leaves, stunted growth, pests like aphids.
- First aid
- Check watering, provide nutrients if needed, manually remove pests or use insecticidal soap.
- What kills it
- Over/underwatering, poor soil, weed competition, lack of sun.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if you act quickly and correct growing conditions.