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
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Purple White | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H4Botanical 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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