Overview
Berkheya purpurea is a clump forming perennial in the genus Berkheya, part of the Asteraceae family, with deciduous foliage. Berkheya purpurea grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, gravel garden, flower borders and beds and wall side borders. It is native to Cape Provinces, Lesotho, Free State, KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape and Northern Cape.
About
Berkheya purpurea, also known as purple berkheya, is a member of the daisy family (Asteraceae) of flowering plants. Like most members of its genus, Berkheya, it is native to southern Africa.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Berkheya purpurea
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
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Berkheya
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
Berkheya purpurea size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- perennial
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Flower borders and beds, Wall side borders
- Native to
- Cape Provinces, Lesotho, Free State, KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape, Northern Cape
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Berkheya purpurea
- Cultivation
- Prefers well-drained soil in full sun; drought tolerant once established; avoid waterlogging.
- Pruning
- Cut back after flowering to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth.
- Propagation
- Seed, Division
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Berkheya purpurea?
Prefers well-drained soil in full sun; drought tolerant once established; avoid waterlogging.
Where is the best place to plant Berkheya purpurea?
Berkheya purpurea prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Berkheya purpurea need?
Berkheya purpurea is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
How do I prune Berkheya purpurea?
Cut back after flowering to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth.
Is Berkheya purpurea hardy in the UK?
Berkheya purpurea has an RHS hardiness rating of H4, meaning it is hardy through an average UK winter, tolerating -10 to -5°C.
How do I propagate Berkheya purpurea?
Seed, Division.
