Inula magnifica

Need something architectural?  Giant elecampane can help you with that.  Colossal clumps of elephantine leaves send up 6-foot stalks in early summer topped by clusters of large flowers that resemble yellow spider chrysanthemums.  Use it as an individual statement-making specimen, or in combination with finer-leaved perennials such as Amsonia hubrichtii.

Full to part sun; average to moist soil; 6'x3'; early summer; Zone 4

Propagated from seed; deep 3.5-inch pots

Photo: wallygrom