|
Last Updated: Jan 30, 2007 - 9:23:29 AM |
by KENT REED SWANSON
Did you know that there is a daisy-like flower that smells deliciously like fresh chocolate? If you’re from the South or Southwest, you may have even seen this plant in the wild, as it is a native to states like New Mexico, Louisiana, and Arkansas.
Chocolate Flower (Berlandiera lyrata) is one of the most unique flowers you can plant in your garden. You may also find it under the name of “Little Green Eyes.” This second name comes from when the flower goes to seed and changes color. The disk flowers will turn green and the sepals and bracts help to create an unusual dry flower arrangement.
The Chocolate Flower grows in USDA zones 4-9, up to around 7,000', and will tolerate poor quality and sandy soils. The plant will hold up to frost until about 10 degree F. It produces beautiful like-daisy flowers with rosette foliage. The leaves are a light to medium green and are slightly downy. As it is a member of the sunflower family (Compositae), it has a similar structure to many sunflowers. For an excellent photo of the chocolate flower, see this site from the University of New Mexico. The rich chocolate scent is strongest during the early morning hours. Depending on your region, the flowers will bloom from around early spring (May) to early fall (September).
Chocolate flower is a perennial and also easily reseeds itself. It can be propagated by division, cuttings from the tips of the plant, and seeds. A benefit of this plant is that it requires very little water once established. This makes it a great choice for xeric gardens. You should note that over watering your chocolate flower can cause problems and affect the health of your plant. An average chocolate flower will grow to about ten to twenty inches tall and ten to twenty inches wide. It grows best in full sun to partial shade.
Like chocolate? Check out www.ExploringChocolate.com for information on all things chocolate.
© Copyright 2005 GardenPlantCare.com
Top of Page
