Overview
Berkheya macrocephala is a garden plant in the genus Berkheya, part of the Asteraceae family. It is native to KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Cape.
About
Berkheya macrocephala is a species of Berkheya in the daisy family Asteraceae, native to KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape of South Africa. It bears the composite flower heads typical of the genus and flowers in the UK from July to September. The species' summer bloom period makes it a candidate for adding seasonal interest to warm-season borders and beds.
About the genus
Berkheya is a genus of flowering plants in the family Asteraceae. It is distributed in tropical Africa, especially in southern regions. Of about 75 species, 71 can be found in South Africa.
Wikipedia contributors, "Berkheya", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Berkheya
In the garden
Berkheya macrocephala belongs to the Asteraceae genus Berkheya and originates from KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape provinces of South Africa. As a member of that genus it produces composite flower heads and follows a summer flowering rhythm; in the UK its bloom runs from July to September. When introducing Berkheya macrocephala to a UK plot, align the planting location with the plant’s South African origins by selecting a site where soil drains freely and receives prolonged seasonal sun. Give new plants time to establish before judging winter behaviour and monitor moisture levels through the first full season; avoid persistent waterlogging. Where long-term hardiness is unknown for a specific planting site, treat specimens as ones to observe across seasons rather than as a guaranteed permanent fixture. Use Berkheya macrocephala where a summer-flowering Berkheya is required: it suits sunny herbaceous borders, gravelled summer beds and areas where a sequence of July–September flowering is wanted. Because the flowering window is July to September in UK conditions, plan companion planting so that neighbours either precede or follow its bloom to maintain continuous display.
Plant details
Berkheya macrocephala size, habit and characteristics
- Native to
- KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape
More in the Berkheya genus
- Berkheya cirsiifolia
- Berkheya purpurea
- Berkheya purpurea 'Zulu Warrior'purple burkheya 'Zulu Warrior'
- Berkheya radula
- Berkheya adlamii