Contents
Description
Berkheya Carduoides is a thistle-like plant that is native to South Africa. It is also known as the “Pincushion” due to its distinctive flower head. The plant can grow up to 1 meter in height and has a spread of around 40 centimeters. The leaves of the plant are deeply lobed and can be up to 40 centimeters long. The flowers are pink to purple in color and are around 5 centimeters in diameter. The plant blooms from late spring to early summer and can be a stunning addition to any garden.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Berkheya |
Appearance
Berkheya Carduoides is a stunning plant with deeply lobed leaves that can grow up to 40 centimeters long. The plant can grow up to 1 meter in height and has a spread of around 40 centimeters. The flowers are pink to purple in color and are around 5 centimeters in diameter. The flower head of the plant is thistle-like and is what gives the plant its common name of “Pincushion”. The plant blooms from late spring to early summer and can add a splash of color to any garden.
Care Guide
Berkheya Carduoides is a relatively easy plant to care for. Here are some tips to keep your plant healthy:- Water: Berkheya Carduoides likes to be kept moist, but not waterlogged. Water your plant regularly, especially during the growing season.- Fertilization: The plant benefits from regular fertilization during the growing season. Use a balanced fertilizer and follow the instructions on the package.- Soil: Berkheya Carduoides likes well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. If your soil is heavy, amend it with compost or other organic matter.- Sunlight: The plant likes full sun to partial shade. Make sure to plant it in a location that gets at least 6 hours of sunlight per day.- Hardiness Zones: Berkheya Carduoides is hardy in USDA zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Berkheya Carduoides is generally not susceptible to pests or diseases. However, it can be affected by root rot if the soil is kept too moist. To prevent this, make sure to plant the plant in well-draining soil and water it appropriately.
Habitat
Berkheya Carduoides is native to South Africa and can be found in rocky areas and on hillsides. The plant likes well-draining soil and prefers full sun to partial shade. It is a hardy plant that can grow in USDA zones 9-11.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Berkheya Carduoides a good plant for attracting pollinators?
A: Yes, the plant’s flowers are attractive to bees and butterflies.
Q: Can Berkheya Carduoides be grown in containers?
A: Yes, the plant can be grown in containers as long as the container is large enough and the plant is watered regularly.
Q: How often should Berkheya Carduoides be fertilized?
A: The plant benefits from regular fertilization during the growing season. Use a balanced fertilizer and follow the instructions on the package.
Q: How tall can Berkheya Carduoides grow?
A: The plant can grow up to 1 meter in height.
Related Plants
– Berkheya Purpurea- Berkheya Multijuga- Berkheya Radula- Berkheya Coddii
References
– “Berkheya Carduoides – Plant Finder.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=b787.- “Berkheya Carduoides (Pincushion).” Gardenia, www.gardenia.net/plant/berkheya-carduoides.
