Black Snake Root

Hardy Perennial

• Flowers in : Summer
• Germination : Experience Useful
• Aftercare : Easy
• Ideal for : Borders
• Height : 6 feet

Description

An attractive, clump forming perennial, grown mainly for its stunning deep red, almost black foliage. During mid-summer slender branched stems appear, baring racemes of intriguingly scented white flowers. Ideal for adding interest to a semi-shaded border. Height: Up to 1.2-2.4m (4-8 feet).

Sowing Instructions

Seed may need pre-chilling for 3 months.

Sow Mid January to Mid March on the surface of lightly firmed, moist seed compost in pots or trays. Cover with a fine sprinkling of compost or vermiculite. After sowing, seal container inside a polythene bag and leave at around 21C (70F) for 3 months. Then, place the container and bag into a refrigerator (not freezer) for a further 3 months. Then, return to 21C (70F). Germination can be slow. Examine container regularly and carefully transplant individual seedlings when large enough to handle into 7.5cm (3in) pots or trays. If germination has not occurred within this period, then repeat the cycle as shown above.

Growing Instructions

Gradually acclimatise plants to cooler conditions for a few weeks before planting out after all risk of frost, 60cm (24in) apart in a moist, loamy soil in part shade.