My second Aunt removed, Gretna was florist to the Queen of Dewsbury circa 1764. Greta said that Bupleurum Griffithii was probably the best foliage filler a second Aunt could ever ask for. She would use it with almost everything and often remarked it kept bats from flying into her hair.
What is Bupleurum Griffithii Mr Higgledy?
Well. Burpleurum is a short lived perennial, so for our purposes it is an annual. It has uber chic grey brown leaves on branched stems. These leaves are ‘perfoliate’ (learn this word and impress people that don’t get out much.) This means that the stems appear to grow thorough the leaf…somewhat freaky…but cool. (Hence name Thorowax… through-wax…olde worlde Englishe)
When Bupleurum Griffithii flowers it has tiny weeny yellow flowers in grey/green bracts.
You don’t see it all that often, which is a shame…it’s a winner.
I would like to grow Bupleurum Griffithii Mr Higgledy, would you please be a love and show me how?
Yes of course. My knowledge is your knowledge. Right….
*First of all be aware that there may be some erratic germination. Prepare yourself mentally and physically for this.
*Most growers will tell you it’s best sown where it is to grow…they are half right. Bupleurum doesn’t take too kindly to root disturbance. BUT…it can take weeks and weeks to germinate…and while this is happening our native weeds are rocking out for the free world.
So…I prefer to sow them in three inch pots, undercover on a window sill or cold frame etc. Then when they are about three inches high, harden them off and plant them in your freshly weeded bed. I think this takes less time…but the choice is yours.
*The seeds NEED LIGHT to germinate so don’t cover the little Imps.
*I space my plants out at about a foot and a half.
*Beware that they will self sow…I rather like this…but you may not.
*Keep picking Burpleurum and it will bush out, which is what you want.
*She likes a good drink of water.
*They will last twice as long in the vase if you dunk the stems in boiling water for 30 seconds.
You now have my Burpleurum secrets…you lucky things you.
I will be growing lots of this in the Higgledy Garden and you are welcome to grow alongside us.
Happy Burpleuruming!
Ben :)
November 15, 2012 @ 10:06 am
Worth saying that once you’ve grown it successfully once you will never need to sow it again as it self seeds brilliantly and has done through even our -18 winter 2 yrs ago. It’s true, the best ever filler along with alchamilla mollis.
November 15, 2012 @ 10:33 am
yes…good point. It seems to like a good solid cold spell.
April 7, 2012 @ 9:08 pm
grew it last year and couldn’t believe what a gem it was, looks simply gorgeous with pink and purple sweet peas, lots more this year.
April 9, 2012 @ 6:37 am
Yes Gem…it is defo a winner…every cutting garden should have some. Thx for posting. :)
January 19, 2012 @ 9:03 pm
I tried to grow this last year, but failed at the germination stage. I think I’ll give it another go this year as it is such a lovely plant.
January 19, 2012 @ 11:34 pm
It can be tricky to germinate…can take ages and be erratic…but you WILL succeed! (excuse the pun)
January 6, 2012 @ 11:47 am
I have tried to grow this a couple of times and failed. I feel better prepared now so I will be trying again.
January 6, 2012 @ 4:59 pm
You will be fine this year Gill…I can feel it in my waters! :) I’m going to sow a few undercover from next week and see how they go. :)
January 4, 2012 @ 3:06 pm
I am really blown away by 2nd photo. What a gorgeous flower. I’m red/green colorblind so I may be off, but to me the yellow and green are beautifully and subtly complimentary. Happy New Year!
January 4, 2012 @ 4:57 pm
yes you are right, they compliment each other well….I can’t lay claim to these photos…lost all mine in a non backed up disaster! But plenty of fun to be had taking some more this season.
Hope your keeping well Emmon. :)
January 4, 2012 @ 1:08 am
I grew this last year from my RHS seeds. I grew it in modules and transplanted it, a very pretty foliage plant that looks like euphorbia but doesn’t have irritant sap. I saved some seed so will be growing along with Mr Higgledy.
January 4, 2012 @ 4:22 am
Good show…don’t forget to send me a pic and let me know how you get along this year with your flower growing. :)
PS You’re up late!
top 50 annual flowers for cutting | Higgledy Garden
January 3, 2012 @ 8:01 pm
[…] Bupleurum Griffithii […]
January 3, 2012 @ 7:26 pm
Well, I have been enlightened. You weren’t making words up after all. Curious that your second Aunt removed comes from the same neck of the woods as me…perhaps its a sign I should get involved with a bit of Burpleurum?
:)
January 3, 2012 @ 7:34 pm
The Bupleurum…er..not BURP…!…is waiting for you. :)