Fox and Cubs (Hieracium aurantiacum) - Vibrant Wildflower for Sunny Wildlife Gardens (Peat-Free, Pesticide-Free; Super Plugs & 9 cm Pots)

Full of mischief and colour, Fox and Cubs (Hieracium aurantiacum) is the wildflower that refuses to blend in. Clusters of bright orange blooms rise on soft, fuzzy stems, each one glowing like a spark against its rosette of deep green leaves. It’s bold, unbothered by poor soil, and adored by bees - a true pollinator magnet that thrives where others sulk.

This hardy perennial spreads gently through rosettes and seed, forming small colonies that look like little fires scattered across grass or gravel. It’s perfect for hot, dry borders, wildflower lawns, and sunny banks - or anywhere you want a flash of untamed energy.

Where it thrives
Light: Full sun (it loves the heat)
Soil: Well-drained, poor to moderately fertile; gravel, sand, or loam
Setting: Wildflower lawns, sunny banks, dry borders, gravel gardens, meadow edges
Height: 25–40 cm

Planting & care

• Plant in full sun for best colour - partial shade tones it down.

• Tolerates drought and neglect with cheerful defiance.

• Trim lightly after flowering to tidy and prevent too much self-seeding.

• Combine with Field Scabious, Yarrow, or Wild Marjoram for a buzzing, bee-rich border.

• Give it space to spread - it’s not a thug, just exuberant.

Wildlife value
Fox and Cubs’ daisy-like blooms are irresistible to bees, butterflies, and hoverflies. The downy leaves also shelter small beetles and ground insects, and its nectar is especially valuable in midsummer when many wildflowers start to fade.

Joel says…
“Fox and Cubs? One of my favourites. It’s like the wildflower world’s punk rocker - scruffy, loud, full of attitude, and absolutely brilliant for bees. Let it do its thing - it’s nature’s confetti.”