Pink hawksbeard

Crepis rubra is a delightful and somewhat underused annual that brings a touch of wild meadow charm to UK gardens. Known as the pink hawksbeard, it produces dainty, dandelion-like flower heads in an unusual and attractive shade of soft pastel pink. Resting on slender, leafless stems that rise from a basal rosette of dandelion-like foliage, these flowers are perfect for adding a naturalistic feel to the front of a sunny border or a rock garden. It is a hardy annual that can be direct-sown in the spring where it is to flower. In the UK, it prefers a well-drained soil and a position in full sun. While each individual flower is relatively short-lived, the plant produces a steady succession of blooms throughout the summer months. It is particularly effective when mass-planted or allowed to self-seed gently in gravelly areas. This Mediterranean native is surprisingly resilient and provides a useful nectar source for small solitary bees.

Sun: Full sun.

Soil: Well-drained, sandy or loamy soil.

Hardiness: H4 — down to −10°C.

Flowering: Jun, Jul, Aug.