Growing high in the Kaghan Valley of the North West Frontier Province of Pakistan is the prickly-leaved Morina longifolia. The flower spikes are populated with creamy white buds. The corolla gradually extending in a lax fashion and colouring pink with a scalloped head. These buds are all held in whorls progressing up the stem.

The leaves develop from a basal rosette and are edged with spines; these become significantly smaller at the bases of the floral whorls. At the apex of the spike these are a shade of dull red. The internodes are soft and felty to the touch in contrast to the sharp spikes.

Planted in a vantage point atop a mound in the Rock Garden, the metre-long spikes are well appreciated from below. This provides the drainage needed for successful cultivation and longevity of this perennial species.

Morina longifolia

Morina longifolia