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| How to grow Physoplexis comosa |
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Despite being a fascinating and much sought after alpine specimen, Physoplexis comosa is sadly rarely seen outside of botanical gardens and specialist nurseries. Unlike many examples offered up as alpine plants in your local plant retailers, Physoplexis comosa is the genuine article native to the French and Italian alps. Commonly known as the 'Tufted Horned Rampion' or 'Devil's Claw', like all true alpines it has blooms characteristically larger than its foliage.
forming tufts of deeply cut leaves, and bearing in summer round clusters of dark purple or violet-blue, bottle (hock, not burgundy)-shaped flowers. May be hardy outside in some regions with frost-free protection in winter. Please note,
It is fairly easy to obtain Physoplexis comosa seeds online throughout the year. If growing under protection they can be sown at any time of year. If being started outside they will need to be sown under the protection of a cold frame in the autumn.
Sow in a cold frame in autumn, sow indoors at any time of year. Surface sow onto moist, well-drained seed compost. Place in a cold frame, natural winter cold should offer ideal conditions for germination to occur in spring as the weather warms. Indoors, surface sow, then propagate or place in a polythene bag at 18-22°C for 2-4 weeks then cold stratify. Move to -4-+4°C for 4-6 weeks and then return to warmth 5-12°C for germination. Germination takes up to 6 weeks indoors. Transplant seedlings when well grown to individual pots, just be aware that the seedlings are tiny and require gentle handling! 3ins (8cm). Grow on under glass or acclimatise and plant out when danger of frost has passed.
Prefers a gritty, poor to moderately fertile alkaline soil in full sun. Soil needs to be very well-drained. Needs protection from winter wet. Can be grown outside or container grown in an alpine house.
HOW TO GROW CAMPANULA PORTENSCHLAGIANA
HOW TO GROW PHYSOPLEXIS COMOSA
