The real detail of Inula hookeri is the unfurling flower bud. A late flowering gem of Himalayan vegetation it resembles a swirl of frosted ice with the yellow ray florets corkscrewing to break free from the centre. Botanically these phyllaries are there to protect the developing flower bud. Once in full bloom the phyllaries fold down beneath the flower head as a soft collar. A compact yet vigorous herbaceous plant providing late summer/early autumn colour to the border. Growing to about 600mm with hairy foliage a circle of narrow bright yellow ray florets make up the flower. Keep deadheading these as they fade to prolong the floral season just as border colour is reducing.