Morina longifolia is a rare perennial from the Himalayas. The genus Morina is named in honor of a French nurseryman Rene Morin who has the distinction of issuing the first seed catalogue in 1621.
This plant produces very interesting flowers that open white and then turn pink once they are pollinated. They appear in mid-summer on an elongating flower stem that reaches about 20 cm in length. The glossy leaves form a rosette near the ground and look very much like a Canada Thistle. This resemblance is so strong that I’ve pulled out seedlings by mistake.
Stroking the leaves will produce a strong tangerine perfume that is quite unique. Since the flowers are pollinated by moths, this fragrance is probably stronger at night.
When grown from seed it can take anywhere from 2 to 4 years to flower depending on culture. Morina longifolia is a long lived perennial provided that it is not grown too wet in winter. Mine have been growing for 4 years in a dry, clay, zone 5, garden.
Morina longifolia
(mor-IN-uh lon-jee-FOH-lee-uh)
Life Cycle: perennial
Height: 60-90cm (2-3 ft)
Bloom Time: mid-summer
Natural Range: Himalayas (Kashmir to Bhutan)
Habitat: Open slopes, 3 – 4,000 m
Synonyms: none
Cultivation of Morina longifolia:
Light: full sun, can take some shade
Soil: loam or sandy soil, that is dry in winter
Water: average moisturein summer, dry in winter
USDA Hardiness Zone: 5- 9
Propagation: seed, root cuttings, does not divide or transplant well due to a large tap root
