Sonchus pinnatus 2, 200314 by John Jearrard, on Flickr
Sonchus pinnatus from Madiera (well, actually it came from Trewidden gardens in Penzance). Seems to become dormant in summer and looks a bit sad until the weather cools in autumn.
Sonchus fruticosus 2, 200314 by John Jearrard, on Flickr
Sonchus fruticosus from Chad. They all grow under cover at present - last time I planted them out we started to get cold winters again and I'm not ready to start taunting the ice gods again.
Lush foliage and almost hardy.
Sonchus congestus 3, 200314 by John Jearrard, on Flickr
Sonchus congestus has made a compact clump. The leaves aren't as big as S.fruticosus but it is a much better shaped plant at present.
Sonchus acaulis 1, 200314 by John Jearrard, on Flickr
Sonchus acaulis has made a fabulous rosette, like a giant Meconopsis. Not sure if it would be as good outside. All being well it will get tried eventually.
Sonchus canariensis 1, 200314 by John Jearrard, on Flickr
And finally Chad's seedlings of Sonchus canariensis. This is the best one in my opinion. It is compact and has broad leaves that make a nice 'head''.
Sonchus canariensis 8, 200314 by John Jearrard, on Flickr
This one has much narrower leaf segments which is distinctive, but makes it look a bit scrappy.
So far I haven't been troubled by slugs but I get the feeling the rabbits would like them. Anybody managed flowers on them?
