Tell Me More…
Pilosella aurantiaca is not the easiest name to say, which is why we prefer ‘Fox and Cubs’. The name is explained by the blooms. A large wide-open bloom thought of as the Fox is surrounded by smaller buds, named the cubs. Held on strong, wiry stems above low rosettes of hairy foliage, the plants spread by rhizomes to form an impressive carpet.As we think more about our wildlife friends, the popularity of wildflower meadows is increasing as seen in many RHS show gardens. Even a small area of wildflowers will happily host insects, birds, and other wildlife. Presenting a veritable feast of seeds, leaves, nectar, and pollen, whilst creating a safe habitat for shelter and a perfect place to breed. With the synonym, Hieracium aurantiacum, Pilosella aurantiaca is happy growing on poor soil, preferring moist, well-drained soil in sun or part shade. A fully hardy annual with an RHS hardiness rating of H5, she will reach a height of around 25cm, and spread to 90cm. Seed can easily be collected and sown for the following year
Flower and Foliage Months
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Foliage Month
Flowering Month
Key Information
| Latin Name | Pilosella aurantiaca YP |
|---|---|
| Common Name | Fox and Cubs |
| Hardiness | H5 (-10 to -15°C) |
| Colour | Orange |
| Type | Perennial |
| Format | Young Plants |
| Position | Full-Sun, Part-Shade, Part-Sun |
| Foliage | Deciduous |
| Height in Maturity (m) | 0.40 m |
| Spread in Maturity (m) | 0.90 |
| Soil Conditions | Chalk Loam Sand |
| Soil Acidity | Acid Alkaline Neutral |
| Aspect | East-facing, South-facing, West-facing |
| Good for pots | Yes |
| Good for Rockeries | Yes |
| Good for wildlife | Yes |
| Good for pollinators | Yes |
| Good for cutting | Yes |
