About
The autumn-flowering mandrake, a perennial from the Mediterranean with a thick, branched, sometimes human-shaped taproot and large, spreading rosettes of broadly ovate, crinkled, dark green, foetid leaves to about 45cm long. Short-stemmed, pale blue-violet, bell-shaped flowers emerge in autumn and are followed by large, round, yellow, fleshy fruits. A fascinating and legendary plant for a sheltered, sunny, well-drained position.
About the genus
Juniperus can be prostrate or erect, evergreen shrubs or trees with aromatic, scale-like or sharply pointed awl-shaped leaves, and small globose fruits
Plant details
Suggested usesBorders, hedging, specimen planting.
Care notes
CultivationPlant in well-drained soil in sun or part shade.
PruningPrune after flowering or late winter.
PropagationPropagate by division, cuttings, or seed.
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free.
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-resistant.