About
Morina longifolia, the long-leaved whorlflower, is a clump-forming, evergreen perennial producing compact rosettes of spiny-margined, lance-shaped, glossy, aromatic leaves to 30 cm long. In midsummer, tall, stately spikes to 1 m bear whorls of white flowers to 3 cm long ageing to pink then crimson. A dramatic and rewarding plant for a sunny, well-drained border.
About the genus
Morina are rosette-forming, evergreen, thistle-like perennials with aromatic, spiny leaves and whorls of slender-tubed flowers with spreading lobes borne in spikes in summer. Grown in sunny, well-drained borders.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeTrees, Fruit Edible
HabitSpreading branched
FoliageDeciduous
Height8-12 metres
Spreadwider than 8 metres
Time to full height20-50 years
Suggested usesArchitectural, Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
Native toChina
Care notes
CultivationGrow in moist but well-drained, humus-rich, fertile soil in full sun, with shelter from cold, dry winds. See mulberry cultivation for further advice
PruningPruning group 1, in late autumn or early winter to avoid bleeding
PropagationPropagate by seed, by semi-ripe cuttings in summer, or by hardwood cuttings in autumn
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to mulberry leaf spot, mulberry canker, coral spot, powdery mildews and honey fungus (rarely)