Position – Full sun or part shade
Soil – Moist, well-drained
Flowering Period – Summer
Hardiness – Fully hardy to hardy
Francoa are evergreen perennials that are native to Chile that are often better known as the ‘bridal flower’ or ‘wedding flower’. Francoa have stately, lance-shaped leaves and attractive, delicate flowers that are positioned upon long slender stems. They are best suited to flower beds and borders within an informal or courtyard garden. You should expect to see Francoa grow to an approximate height of 0.5-1m (20-40”) and a spread of 0.1-0.5m (4-20”).
Francoa are best planted in humus- rich, moist but well-drained soil of loam, sand, chalk or clay within an acidic, alkaline or neutral PH balance. Dig a hole that is the same depth and a little wider than the root ball and gently position your plant. Settle with native soil and water thoroughly. After planting, Francoa will benefit from a generous layer of mulch to ensure that the soil is kept cool and moist. These plants are best positioned in an area of full sun or part shade.
It is recommended to cut Francoa to ground level just before spring, preferably in February or March as this will encourage better performance for the following year. The remnants of these cut stems can be used as a natural mulch or can be composted. Although Francoa are tolerant of colder weather it is always worth protecting your plants from excessive winter moisture, frost and intense midday heat. During active growth, ensure your plants are watered regularly and apply a balanced fertiliser once a month.
It is possible to propagate Francoa by division during the spring.
