Usually I like to have at least recognized the name of the plant or seen it growing locally but this one was a complete unknown. The information in this case was minimal. Nothing other than the name on the plant pot.
It's called Berkheya purpurea.
Some research when we got home told me it was native to South Africa. One of the cultivar's of this plant is called "Zulu Warrior", which would have been a clue to it's origins. I presume therefore it is probably tender in this country and won't grow in quite the same way as in it's native environment. That means adding another plant to the list for winter mulching and a spot of TLC.
The daisy flowers are an attractive pale pink through to mauve that fades over time.
The centre of the flower looks like a fruit pastille.
What is extraordinary about this plant is it's spikiness. The stems grow from a central rosette of spiky leaves. The spikes then continue up the stems
Along the leaves,
Up the smaller stems.
And over the flower buds as well.
These are viscious spikes. I'm sure that it will be left well alone in it's native South Africa. It makes the eryngium look a bit of a shrinking violet...
Whether berkheya purpurea survives here remains to be seen.
Just as a footnote to this post.
I wish the labelling on plants gave more information. There was only a name in the form of a sticky label on the pot and I have yet to find staff in Garden Centres (as opposed to Nurseries) with much knowledge about the plants in their care.
I also think some of the plants on offer are too tender for this part of the world. Better labeling might help impetuous shoppers like me to think twice!
It's my only quibble with this is particular Garden Centre, which has interesting well cared for plants (and a great coffee shop)
Your plant looks interesting and like it could really hurt if handled in the wrong way. I definitely think plants should be tagged better in garden centres /where they're sold. It often seems like mass production is the priority these days instead of quality /customer info.
ReplyDeleteLovely plant - hope it goes through the winter for you
ReplyDeletePretty bloom, but -ouch!- those thorns look serious! I agree that more information on labels would be nice. I try not to buy outside my zone, but sometimes there's just not enough info to really know. Good luck on trying to keep it through the winter.
ReplyDeleteI recognise that plant from somewhere and now its annoying me as I can't remember where I saw it. I dont think I would like to have it in my garden though as I am so clumsy I would end up being prickled all the time
ReplyDeleteI am treating it with gloves and the greatest respect!
ReplyDeleteIts an interesting looking plant - I even like the thorny look. Different. Good luck with it.
ReplyDeleteI thought you might have recognized it Christine as it's from your neck of the woods. At least you didn't say that awful invasive plant or similar...
ReplyDeleteThe spikes or thorns are interesting. However, it is such a beautiful plant with such lovely color.
ReplyDeleteThe foliage looks like a thistle. ha. Most big box store garden centers bring in plants that are in bloom in order to "catch" the consumer. In my growing zone, southern plants and tropicals are often offered. Many of those are two zones warmer than mine and will not survive a winter.
ReplyDeleteThat's a cynical- bringing in plants they know won't survive. The place I got the berkheya has a good reputation and I'm easily tempted!
ReplyDeleteOuch. Beautiful, but ouch! Looked it up, and despite its origins, Chiltern Seeds claim it is hardy, if planted in sun and a bit of shelter. So you may not have to cosset your spiky new friend after all. If not, please let us know, as despite the spikes I rather fancy it...
ReplyDeleteIf all delicate-looking flowers were so well protected, gardeners would spend a lot less time fending off pests. That's a perfect "defy the bunnies" plant if ever I saw one. I love the "nesting" pattern on the smaller stems!
ReplyDeleteThis is a very interesting plant. Of course, I have never heard of it! I love that it has spikes on the flower buds, too. Hope that you get it through the winter. I am wondering if I could grow it here in San Diego, California, too. But even if so it is probably very hard to find. Thanks for introducing me to a new plant. That is always so exciting!
ReplyDeleteChristina
Thanks for the comments. I haven't looked at a Chiltern Seeds catalogue for a long time, Janet. Good for reference.
ReplyDeleteI think I'm going to have to plant it in a warm south facing corner. It's still in the pot.... If we had rabbits I di think they would go it a wide berth. As long as it's not a "defy the gardener" plant.
I'm sure it would grow wonderfully in San Diego, although it have had to keep it well watered. High time I planted it!
Lovely flowers with unique coloring but those thorns! Looks like a good one to keep the rabbits at bay.
ReplyDeleteMy advice to my nursery customers is to throw out the plastic plant tag because they are at least 50% incorrect. I provide a catalogue with descriptions based on my experience. I also recommend researching every plant you purchase on the internet. After a while you will know which sources have reliable info. Garden centers usually don't (or can't) pay their employees enough to hire knowledgeable horticulturalists.
ReplyDeleteI wish it had had a plastic plant tage. it was a sticky label on the pot! So Yes I took a chance and googled it when I got home. A family member got a job in a garden centre for a while and didn't know anything about plants but was forever being asked. He knew about water features and displays. Seemingly some of the staff had some knowledge of plants.
ReplyDeleteWe grow this Janet on the Alpine Terrace, amazing plant and good for pollinators! It must be hardy as it came through the previous harsh winter and has been flowering for many weeks now. One note though; the Alpine Terrace has a glass roof erected over it from October until April, to deflect the worst of the winter damp which can often cause alpines to rot! Perhaps this Berkheya chap may benefit from sharp drainage.
ReplyDeleteBertie
Thanks Bertie, that is useful information. It doesn't strike me an an alpine type but I will take the relevant precautions!
ReplyDeleteHello Janet I have just found this blog - brought there by an interest in the Orkneys. Your camera is acting like a sketch book - you have really analysed this plant.
ReplyDeleteThanks for having a look at the blog, Catherine. You'llhave seen the piece I did about our garden in Orkney. Have you seen the lovely Orkney blog " The Wind and the Wellies"? It's well worth a read. Have you visited Orkney?
ReplyDeleteI love it, had one that died. Am now watching a volunteer to see if it is a selfseeded descendent, or just an invasive milk thistle???
ReplyDeleteFrom the PlantZAfrica website for you - grows along streams and steep grassy mountain slopes 1500 to 3000 M above sea level. Summer rainfall (that would be why I lost mine) Snow and FROST are common in winter.
So yours should flourish!
Thank you for that very useful piece of information. I'll let you know how I get on!
ReplyDelete