Physochlaina orientalis

Rarely seen but easy to grow, Physochlaina orientalis makes a lovely spring feature with flowers that are an unusual colour for the season.Smoky-lilac, trumpet-shaped blooms emerge in early spring and last for several weeks accompanied by softly hairy, wavy-edged foliage. The leaves gradually fade into summer dormancy— completely disappearing to make plenty of room for summer plants before re-emerging the following spring. A quiet beauty for rockeries, woodland margins and perennial borders, it makes a lovely accompaniment to other spring perennials and bulbs. This semi-tuberous perennial forms spreading colonies and adapts easily to different settings, thriving in sun or part shade. While it loves humus-rich, moist soil during spring, it shrugs off summer drought by slipping into dormancy during the hottest days. Ultimate height: 30cm (12in). Ultimate spread: 45cm (18in).