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Herbaceous Perennial

Berkheya purpurea

purple berkheya

A perennial, growing to 75cm tall, with rosettes of spiny leaves, each leaf up to 45cm long and 10cm wide, with a downy-white underside. In summer, flowerheads, up to 8cm in diameter, are carried on short side branches off a flower stem and open in succession from the top down. The daisy-like flowers comprise an outer ring of white, pale mauve or purple ray florets surrounding a darker purple centre

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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Purple White Green
Autumn Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H4
Botanical details
Family
Asteraceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy
Genus

Berkheya can be shrubs, or perennials, with spiny, pinnately divided leaves and yellow, purple or or white daisy-like flower-heads in summer

Name status

Correct

Plant range
S Africa

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in a well-drained, fertile soil in full sun. Protect from wet winter conditions

Propagation

Propagate by seed or by division

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Coastal
  • Gravel garden
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Wall side borders
  • Cut flowers
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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