Morina longifolia

Morina longifolia is an uncommon Himalayan perennial, with an unusual but highly ornamental architecture. At first glance, its rosette of long, toothed, bright green leaves resembles a common thistle. Then in summer the 'weed' transforms into a beauty queen. A stunning flowering stem emerges from the heart of the rosette with flowers that start white, then turn pink and finally cherry red, gathered in small layered crowns, creating a beautiful gradient from white to red. It will thrive in the sun, in deep and well-drained soil which is not too dry in summer.

Morina longifolia is a plant from the dipsacaceae family, a cousin of scabious. It is native to Nepal, from Kashmir to Bhutan, and grows at an altitude between 3000 and 4000m (9842 and 13123ft). It has fleshy roots and develops persistent rosettes of foliage close to the ground like a thistle, composed of long flexible leaves that can measure 30cm (12in) by 4cm (2in) in width, with toothed and spiny edges and release a gentle citrus fragrance when crushed. They are a beautiful bright green. The stems are covered with small leaves and stretch up to 80cm (32in) high during the season with curious whorls of flowers at their tips in July-August. These 3cm (1in) long flowers are a long tube that widens at its end into a corolla. The calyx at the base of the flowers is formed by two unequal lobes. Each whorl is supported by tough bracts ranging from purple to bronze. The flowers change colour once they are pollinated. Starting white at blooming, they gradually turn pink and eventually become almost red. The abundant seeds easily germinate in light soil, producing seedlings that resemble thistles.

Morina longifolia will be showcased in a rustic bed or a cottage garden, but also fits very well in an urban setting. To grow it successfully you must ensure good drainage, never waterlogged in winter. This beautiful plant pairs well with angel's fishing rod (Dierama pulcherrimum). The contrast between their respective silhouettes is tempered by their flowerings in shades of pink, red, and white, and their cultivation requirements are similar: porous, humus-rich soil, rather dry in winter but moist in summer. A lower and bushy companion, such as a well-composed perennial geranium like 'Blue Cloud', or 'Salome' with a beautiful dark eye, will work well. In drier soil,  Morina longifolia can be replaced by or associated with Phlomis cashmeriana, which looks a little like it from a distance.