Photo: RoozitaaCC BY-SA 3.0via Wikimedia Commonsresized / cropped
Red Hawkweed Plant Care
Crepis rubra L.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
With bright red or pink daisy-like flowers and narrow lance-shaped leaves, this plant originates from Europe and Asia. Plant collectors are drawn to Crepis rubra for its striking coloration and ability to attract pollinators to the garden.
Every 7–10 days
Full sun to partial shade
50–75°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Red Hawkweed?
Water Red Hawkweed every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 50–75°F (10–24°C) and 40–60% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Red Hawkweed Native To?
What Is the Red Hawkweed?
Red Hawkweed (Crepis rubra) belongs to the Asteraceae family within the Crepis genus. Red Hawkweed is native to the eastern Mediterranean region. Red Hawkweed is also known as Red Crepis, Anisoderis rubra, Barkhausia rubra.
Red Hawkweed displays an upright, branching perennial growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Red Hawkweed produces small daisy-like flowers in various colors.
Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Red Hawkweed?
Crepis rubra requires watering every 7–10 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–10 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Red Hawkweed Need?
Red Hawkweed thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Red Hawkweed Prefer?
Crepis rubra grows best at temperatures of 50–75°F. Red Hawkweed prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
50–75°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Red Hawkweed?
Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Red Hawkweed to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Red Hawkweed?
Feed Red Hawkweed every 6 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Red Hawkweed?
Repot every 2-3 years in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Red Hawkweed?
Red Hawkweed can be propagated through seeds, division of root clumps. Similar propagation techniques also apply to tapertip hawksbeard plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Red Hawkweed Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Red Hawkweed, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Red Hawkweed?
Red Hawkweed is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, whiteflies. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Red Hawkweed Need?
Red Hawkweed grows outdoors in USDA Zone 5a – 9b. It survives winters down to planting zone 5a. Red Hawkweed is native to the eastern Mediterranean region.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 5a – 9b
Keep exploring plants
Red Hawkweed is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Crepis genus — compare its care with other Crepis species on PlantoScan.
Crepis is part of the Asteraceae plant family — browse all Asteraceae genera and species.
Red Hawkweed thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Crepis Species
Other Crepis species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Crepis rubra L., family Asteraceae (first published in Sp. Pl. : 806 (1753)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Red Hawkweed, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: Roozitaa, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 5a – 9b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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