The Telekia speciosa is a genus from the aster or sunflower family (Asteraceae or Compositae) and is commonly named yellow ox-eye, yellow oxeye, heartleaf ox-eye or heartleaf oxeye. The yellow ox-eye is native to southern Europe where it grows mostly in mountainous areas on moist, fertile soil along streams and rivers. An older name that is still used is Buphthalmum speciosum.
The Telekia speciosa has big leaves near the ground. They can easily reach a length of 1 foot (30 cm) and a width of 8 inches (20 cm). Because of the size of the leaves this perennial will take up quite some space. The stems are pretty sturdy but sometimes they need some extra support to keep them upright.
The yellow ox-eye gradually spreads through rhizomes and seeds. You can easily propagate the Telekia speciosa by digging up the clump and dividing it.
This is an easy to grow plant that grows well in most soils. If the soil is moist enough the heartleaf oxeye can grow in full sun.
Attracts bees: yes
Characteristic: newly emerging every year
Exposure: sun/part shade
Flower colour: yellow
Flowering time: June – August
Foliage colour: green
Fragrant flower: no
Hardiness: -25 ºC/ -13 ºF
Height: 1.5 m/ 4 feet 11 inches
Soil: normal/moist