Species Hairy Arnica
yellow flower with dark-yellow center, green leaves and green stems

Hairy Arnica

Arnica mollis

Also Known As - Cordilleran Leopardbane
Hairy Arnica, or Arnica mollis, is a herbaceous plant native to northern and eastern Europe. It is one of the larger species in the Arnica genus, growing up to two feet tall with bright yellow flowers. These striking flowers, which are extremely attractive to bees and other pollinators, have five petals and surround a central cone of yellow-brown pollen. The plant has hairy stems, wide leaves, and grows in grasslands, meadows, and open woodlands. Its ability to quickly produce new flowers and survive across a wide variety of soil types and conditions makes it an excellent choice for gardeners.

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Division,Root Cutting,Seed Propagation,Layering Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

Flowers:

Yellow Flowers

Sun:

Sun, Partial Shade

Soil:

Sand, Loam

Leaf:

Yes

Growth Rate:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Hairy Arnica should be watered approximately once a week, depending on the season and soil. During the warmer months (spring and summer), the soil needs to be kept slightly moist and it may require a slightly higher frequency of watering. However, during the cooler months (autumn and winter) it is best to water the plant less frequently, only when the top inch of soil has dried out. Too much water can lead to rot, so it is best to err on the side of less water especially during the cooler months.

sunlight

Hairy Arnica (Arnica mollis) is a sun-loving perennial plant species that thrives best with full to partial sun exposure. In general, 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day is ideal for this species in order to encourage maximum flowering. If planted in a container, Hairy Arnica should be placed in an area that receives at least 4 hours of direct sunlight a day. The plant also does well with indirect morning or afternoon sunlight, so it is recommended that the container is moved around a few times a week for optimal growth. While the ideal position for Hairy Arnica is in a sunny spot, the plant can also tolerate some light shade. However, it is important to note that as this species does not do well in deep shade, it should never be placed in a completely darkened area for extended periods of time.

pruning

Hairy Arnica (Arnica mollis) should be pruned in the late spring, after the flowers have bloomed. The pruning should be light, removing only the oldest stems to encourage new growth. If the plant is getting too large, it may be necessary to prune the stems back to about 6 inches from the base. This will keep the plant looking neat, healthy, and blooming for many years.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Hairy Arnica typically starts flowering in June.