Dry

Potsize - 1L

The only child of the genus Morina that finds a ready home in the English garden. This rare beuty from the Himalayas, has a rosette of bright glossy green thistle-like leaves which form an evergreen rosette in mild or sheltered gardens. If brushed against (mind the spikes) they emit an intriguing citrusy aroma, quite out of character with its appearance. In mid summer it sends up strong stems which carry delightful and curious whorls of thistly bracted tubular flowers. As the flowers open they are of the palest pink, almost white, but once fertilisation is achieved the flowers develop a rosy glow and eventually become quite deep pink, thus siganlling to the bees that the nectaries have been drained. This creates a beautiful multi-tonal effect. Morinas need decent drainage and really like gravel gardens where they can seed about gently. The tap roots resent disturbance so allow them to grow where they choose. Named in honour of Rene Morin, a French nurseryman who is hailed as being the first to produce a plant catalogue way back in 1621. Needs full sun, moist but well drained soil and a mild climate.