Francoa sonchifolia, commonly known as Wedding Flower or Bridal Wreath, is an elegant hardy perennial producing tall, graceful spikes of delicate pale pink flowers, each beautifully marked with deeper pink veining and markings. The airy flower stems rise above attractive rosettes of softly lobed, evergreen foliage, creating a romantic, naturalistic display throughout summer. With its slender stems and long-lasting flowers, Francoa is particularly lovely for cutting and adding height and movement to floral arrangements.
Native to Chile, Francoa sonchifolia thrives in sun or partial shade and is a beautiful addition to cottage gardens, mixed borders and naturalistic planting schemes. Growing to around 60–90 cm tall, it prefers fertile, moisture-retentive but well-drained soil and benefits from protection against excessive winter wet. Its delicate flowers and attractive year-round foliage make this an unusual and rewarding perennial for both gardeners and flower growers.
When to Sow: Feb–Jun
HOW TO SOW
Surface sow seeds onto moist, well-drained seed compost and cover very lightly with fine vermiculite. Ideal temp. 13–20°C, keeping the compost moist but not waterlogged. Germination usually takes 14–30 days but can be irregular. Once seedlings are large enough to handle, transplant into individual pots and grow on in bright, sheltered conditions. Harden off before planting outside after the risk of frost has passed, choosing a position with good drainage.
Classification: Hardy Perennial
Expert Level: Easy to grow
Germination Time: 14–30 days
Flowering Time: Jul–Sep
Site: Full sun or partial shade
Soil Type: Fertile, humus-rich, well-drained soil
Soil Acidity: Acid, neutral or alkaline
Moisture: Moist but well-drained
Care: Protect from excessive winter wet, particularly around the crown. Remove spent flower stems and divide established clumps in spring if required
Use: Cut flowers, cottage gardens, mixed borders, containers and naturalistic planting
Harvesting: Cut stems when several flowers have opened along the spike
Days to Maturity: Year 2
Height: 60–90 cm
Plant Spacing: 30–45 cm