Description

Berkheya
Berkheya purpurea

Perennial. Also called African thistle. Spiny plant with large, sunflower-like flowers of pale mauve-lilac with purple centers. Flower stalk 90 cm high. Native to southern Africa. Blooms in July and August. Attracts pollinators. Zone 6, but survives in zone 4 in very well-drained soil. Can also be grown in pots to overwinter in a cool place.

Full sun. Needs very well-drained soil to improve its hardiness. Sow indoors in April after stratification for 2-4 weeks. 2 mm deep. 30 cm between plants. Germination in 7-30 days at 20-22 °C

Germination: 50% in January 2026 (with 2-week stratification)
Ecological seeds produced at Catherine’s Ornamental Garden.