plant

Elecampane

Inula helenium

Updated 8 Jul 2026 · AI-parsed entry

Elecampane (Inula helenium) — a plant, for Full sun, Medium water.

What it needs & gives back

↓ Needs

Sunlightfull sun to partial shade
Watermedium to high

↑ Gives back

Biomasshigh
Nectarabundant
Pollenabundant

Through the year

Emergence

Emergence of new growth in early spring after the last frost and when soil temperatures rise above 50C.

Flowering

Flowering occurs in mid-summer, typically from July to August, triggered by lengthening days.

Senescence

Foliage begins to die back with the first autumn frosts.

Dormancy

Enters dormancy after senescence, typically lasting through winter until spring.

Timing is relative to your local season (temperate Northern Hemisphere).

Soil interactions

Drainagemoist but well-drained
Nitrogen fixingNo
MycorrhizalYes
Accumulatespotassium, calcium, magnesium, sulfur
Soil textureloam, clay
Organic matterHigh
Compaction toleranceMedium

Propagation

Methodsseed, division
Difficulty2 / 5
Establishes in~1 yr
Stratificationcold stratification for 4-6 weeks
Self-seedingModerate
Divisionspring_or_autumn

Wildlife & pests

Attractsbees, butterflies, beneficial insects