Description
The purple sunflower as it is commonly known.
This in its foliage state is just another spiky thistle but hiding in its anonymous cloak is a glorious flowering plant. Its large lilac to purple flowers sequence on the stem and are striking in any garden. Very drought tolerant and ideal for pollinating insects you can grow this from borders to large alpine rock gardens. Will self seed sporadically.
Flowering: Summer
Hardiness: Hardy
Height: 40cm
Spread: 30cm
Further information:
This plant has very spiky foliage so be a little careful. Take away old leaves throughout the year, otherwise leave it alone.
Common Name: Purple Berkheya
Life Cycle: perennial
Family: Asteraceae
Foliage: spiny
Basic Colour: ( purple )
Flower Colour: purple / lilac
Natural Flowering: June – August
Winter Hardiness: Fully Hardy
Height with Flowers: 40-60cm
Soil Requirements: average / dry / well-drained / sandy
Soil ph: acidic / alkaline / neutral
Location: container / cottage garden / border / Mediterranean / meadow
Usage: ornamental / bee food plant / attracts butterflies
Pruning: Cut back in autumn
Tolerates: drought tolerant / salt tolerant / deer resistance / rabbit resistance
Origin: South Africa
Andrew Helme (verified owner) –
GILLIAN COPPEN (verified owner) –
Still to early to judge