Phyteuma scheuchzeri

Description

Phyteuma is strictly a European genus with quite a few species, not very often seen in the gardens. P. scheuchzeri is the most common cultivated. It doesn’t look like a bellflower, that’s for sure – it looks much cooler!

The flowers are grouped in spiked, ball-like violet inflorescences (aka. floral-sea creatures) which at full bloom ‘explode’ becoming fluffy. Excellent in the rockery, edge of the flower border; contrasts beautifully with yellow flowered species, like Helianthemum, Anthyllis vulneraria, white – like Dianthus petraeus, pink…you get my idea :))

Germination: sow the very fine seeds superficial in the spring (i.e. do not cover with mix, only a thin layer of vermiculite, grit of fine gravel); imbibe the pot with water from below. With very fine seeds it is also a good idea to enclose the pot in a plastic/Ziploc bag (leave a corner open), until you see the seedlings appearing. This will prevent from desiccation until they germinate and also for protection of the tiny seedlings until they grow a bit.