Category: Rarium | Sub-Category: Perennials for Sun
Scientific Name (Genus/Species): Berkheya purpurea
Family: (Asteraceae)
(P) to 3′. Purple Berkheya. Mountains of South Africa. This treasure forms clumps up to 18 inches in width of thistle-like leaves with spiny margins. The single flowering stem carries numerous flowerheads on short side branches with the buds opening in succession from the top of the stem downwards. The flowers are comprised of a ring of pale smoky lavender outer ray florets with central dark purple disc florets. Bees go crazy for this extraordinary plant that blooms June through August. Full sun, well-drained soil. 4 & T1