Bongardia

Bongardia

Bongardia is a monotypic genus - this means that there is just one species in the whole genus, Bongardia chrysogonum.

It is related to Gymnospermium and is one of a delightful group of tuberous plants within the Berberidaceae.

Early in spring it emerges with ornamental leaves each marked with a small red-purple spot at the base, and then, later the flower spike unfurls to reveal bright yellow flowers, the colour of 'lemon drops'.

Easy in almost any, well-drained soil in sun.



Order from Autumn list only.

Bongardia chysogonum

Bongardia chysogonum

A lovely member of the Berberidaceae, often grown for its foliage alone, with a foil of grey-green leaves, each leaflet with a purple mark at the base.

There is a bonus of bright lemon-sorbet yellow flowers carried on a branched stem some 40cm tall, each yellow flower some 1.5cm across. These have a delicate, light, honey scent. Decorative, inflated, balloon-like seedpods follow.

This is an easily grown, summer-dormant tuberous plant, from Central Asia. Happy here in a well-drained south-facing site. Flowering sized tuber.

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Bongardia chysogonumbonchrchr £4.50
Bongardia chysogonum
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