How big does Leopard's bane grow?

About 50 cm × 60 cm after ten years (height × width). Its ultimate size is 30–60 cm × 30–60 cm.

What soil does Leopard's bane grow in?

It tolerates these soils: average garden soil, clay.

Is Leopard's bane hardy?

Hardy down to -34 °C (USDA zone 4, RHS H7). It gets through winter in every part of the country.

When does Leopard's bane flower?

Flowering: April–May, yellow.

How much water does Leopard's bane need?

Water need: medium. Drought tolerance: low.

How much does Leopard's bane cost?

It sells for roughly €3.90 to €11 in local shops, depending on size.

Leopard's bane

Doronicum orientale

Leopard's bane (Doronicum orientale) is a perennial that reaches 50 cm × 60 cm after ten years. Light: part shade, full sun. Hardy down to -34 °C. Drought tolerance: low. Sold in local shops from about €3.90.

Illustration of Leopard's bane — An illustration of the typical shape of the mature plant, not a photo.

What it's good for, and what it isn't

One of the earliest yellow daisy-flowered perennials: it blooms in spring alongside tulips, above fresh green heart-shaped leaves. It suits part shade under deciduous trees and shrubs, in moist, humus-rich soil that gets enough water in spring. In summer heat the foliage dies back, which is natural, so plant something next to it (hostas or ferns, for example) that will cover the gap.

Watch out for

In the hot, dry summers of Central Europe the foliage yellows and dies back by midsummer, and in a dry spot in full sun it wilts even while flowering and soon dies out. Slugs and snails eat the young leaves and buds in spring. After flowering, powdery mildew can appear in warm, dry weather, and root rot can occur in waterlogged soil. It is not long-lived, so it is worth renewing by division every 3 to 4 years after flowering or in early autumn.

Key facts

Light: Part shade, Full sun
Water need: Medium
Care: Low
Size after 10 years: 50 cm × 60 cm
Hardiness: down to -34 °C
Foliage: Deciduous
Flowering: J F M A M J J A S O N D April–May, yellow

Group	Perennial
Light	Part shade, Full sun
Size after 10 years	50 cm × 60 cm
Ultimate size	30–60 cm × 30–60 cm
Hardiness	down to -34 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7)
Soil	Average garden soil, Clay
Foliage	Deciduous
Flowering	April–May, yellow
Water need	Medium
Drought tolerance	Low
Maintenance	Low
Root aggressiveness	Low
Suckering	no data
Spreading	Low
Distance from buildings	no data
Distance from paving	no data
Litter	not typical
Planting distance	35 cm
For dogs	no data
For cats	no data
For children	Toxic (uncertain)
Typical price	from about €3.90

Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor.

Sizes and prices available

The same plant is sold as a small pot and as a specimen several metres tall, and the price follows. Prices are rounded and for guidance only.

Size	Typical price
size not stated	approx. €3.90 – €11

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 8, 2026 · How our data is made

Appears in these lists

Perennials for part shade Perennials for full sun Perennials for clay soil Perennials for pollinators Plants for containers Low-maintenance perennials

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