Flowers: June to September

Height: 24 inches

Hardiness Rating: 9 10

Description: Large mauve to white flowers are produced on strong spiky stems. Excellent architectural border plant.

Sowing Instructions: Sow on to the surface of a free draining moist seed sowing compost in a 576 plug tray or slightly larger size unit. Lightly cover with 3-4mm of vermiculite and propagate at 15 to 18c. Germination should begin to take place after about 2 weeks. Lower the temperature to 15c after germination.

Growing Instructions: Grow on as cool as possible and pot in late summer early autumn for over wintering in a well ventilated cold glasshouse, tunnel or cold frame. Berkhaya can be sold in spring as an attractive green plant in a 9 or 10cm pot. Alternatively put 3 plugs in a 2 or 3 litre pot and this will make a much more impressive plant for sales in May June approximately 8 months from sowing. December and early January sowings can be made but these will not result in a flowering plant until early to mid July.

Caution: Sharp spiky foliage