Bongardia chrysogonum

RHS Plant Profile
bongardie

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Synonyms

Bongardia rauwolfii

Herbaceous Perennial

A tuberous perennial with grey-green pinnate leaves arising directly from the tuber; each leaflet is toothed at the top with a reddish-purple blotch at the base. Honey-scented spring flowers to 1.5cm across are a rich golden-yellow and borne on branched stems up to around 30cm tall

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.1-0.5 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
0.1-0.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Loam Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

  • H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
  • H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
  • H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
  • H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
  • H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
  • H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
  • H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
  • H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
  • H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20)
H6
Drought Resistance
Yes

Colour & Scent

Fragrance Flower
Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Berberidaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Columnar upright
Genus
A small species of tuberous, herbaceous plants native to the rocky mountain areas of North Africa, Greece and the Middle East, with pinnate grey-green foliage and yellow flowers
Name Status
Correct
Plant Range
Greece to Pakistan

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in a well-drained soil in full sun protected from excessive wet; keep hot and dry during summer dormancy

Propagation

Propagate by seed

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Gravel garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • Rock garden
  • Low Maintenance

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free