Dolomiaea costus Seeds | Saussurea Lappa
LATIN NAME: Dolomiaea costus
COMMON NAME: Costus, Indian Costus, Kuth, Putchuk
Plant Profile
Dolomiaea costus, better known as Costus, is a robust, perennial in the daisy family, native to south Asia and China. Costus is a noble and aromatic herb of high mountain pastures of South Asia, and its large, thistle-like heads of purple bloom and its thick, aromatic roots have made it a plant of long and famous history. It is a thistle relative, native to South Asia and China, and it was formerly known as Saussurea costus, and it is known as the costus, the Indian costus, kuth or the putchuk. Established plants reach around Two metres. It is the sort of plant that quietly justifies the space it occupies.
Science & Biotechnology
Like other members of the daisy family, Dolomiaea costus draws steady attention from botanists and plant breeders, who value the genus both as a subject of research and as a source of garden-worthy material. Costus has a genuine and distinguished place in both chemical and historical research. With present-day seed handling, raising this species well within the reach of any careful grower.
Uses & Benefits
Costus works well in borders, containers and dedicated beds. Ecologically, costus is a noble plant of high mountain pastures. Its large, purple, thistle-like heads of bloom feed bees and butterflies, and its tall, leafy growth gives cover, while it is a valued presence in meadows and rocky slopes of the South Asia and the China. Its economic value is real and historic. It establishes readily and then requires nothing out of the ordinary.
Dolomiaea root, a Mu Xiang relative, is a Tibetan and Chinese digestive herb for moving qi and easing fullness; its sesquiterpene lactones are the research focus.
Growing from Seed
Costus grows readily from seed. Use a loose, well-drained seed compost, sow evenly over the surface and cover lightly, and keep everything evenly moist in bright light. Pot the young plants on as they grow, harden them off gradually, and plant them into their final positions when sturdy.
Our Take
Costus, Indian Costus, Kuth, Putchuk is the kind of plant that rewards a permanent spot. The only critical period is germination, when the compost must stay evenly moist.
Related Reading
Gardeners who grow Costus often pair it with these related subjects: