Description
(syn caucasicus)
A very ornamental June-flowering perennial reaching about 1m tall with long, strap-shaped silvery leaves and long, densely packed spikes of pale, sulphur-yellow flowers each of which has contrasting red anthers and a long whiskery reddish bract. Bees love these and they make long-lasting cut flowers as well.
Plant 15cm deep in a light, well-drained sandy soil. It will take acid and limey conditions and drought conditions but not shade, this needs sun.
The young shoots are said to be a delicacy in Siberia, consumed Asparagus style, but are said to have a flavour more akin to Spinach.
Fully hardy in the UK (US zone 6) and recorded as hardy in US zones 5-9
Raised from wild collected seed ex Caucasus Mountains.
