Berkheya Purpurea “Zulu Warrior” produces an outrageously impressive show of very pale purple, daisy-like flowers with dark purple centres.
This striking tender perennial from South Africa produces abundant spiny leaves on equally spiny winged stems. Grown as an annual in temperate regions it is a “first year flowering plant”

Each flower lasts quite a few days; a single plant can have up to 15 flowers open at one time. Produced successively throughout the summer and into the autumn; they are definitely a bloom with class and make a useful cut flower, fresh or dried
Stump your garden buddies with this one!

Sowing: Sow in late winter/late spring or late summer/autumn.
The best time to plant is in late spring (September/October) when Berkheya purpurea begins its growth cycle. December and early January sowings can be made but these will not result in a flowering plant until early to mid July.

Sow on to the surface of a free draining moist seed sowing compost in early spring- gentle bottom heat may help improve germination
Cover with 3 to 4mm (1/8th in) of vermiculite and propagate at 18°C (64°F) Germination should begin to take place after about 2 to 3 weeks. Lower the temperature to 15°C (59°F) after germination.
Grow on and over winter in a well ventilated cold glasshouse, tunnel or cold frame (or very sheltered spot in the garden). Harden off and plant out when all danger of frost is passed.

Cultivation:
For healthy growth and good flowering, grow them in full sun and well-prepared beds with plenty of compost and good drainage.

Overwintering:
Plants are perennials in their native South Africa and can be overwintered in frost free areas for flowering in subsequent years. Older plants tend to go slightly dormant over winter, but shoot with great vigour every summer to give a better show every year.
Established plants are quite tough and can survive with less water than many other summer perennials, but for lush growth they need to have a good watering once a week in summer.

Plant Uses:
Beds and Borders, Architectural planting, Cut Flower Arranging. Containers.

Looks Good With:
Agapanthus, Eucomis, Gloriosa daisys

Note:
For maximum freshness, please keep seed refrigerated until it is time to plant.
Please take care when handling the plant, wear gloves as its stem is spiny.