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Burchardia congesta
milkmaids
Overview
Burchardia congesta is a perennial herb growing from an underground tuber, sending up a slender flowering stem 8-20 inches (20-50 cm) tall in spring. The few basal leaves are narrow and grass-like, 4-12 inches (10-30 cm) long. The stem ends in a congested cluster of 3-12 star-shaped flowers, each 0.6-1 inch (1.5-2.5 cm) across, with six white petals and a dark red to purple center. After flowering the plant sets dry capsules and dies back to the tuber, staying dormant through summer. It grows in soils that are wet in winter and dry out in summer. The above-ground plant is present for only a few months each year, and the foliage withers as the flowers fade.
Native Range
Native to southwestern Western Australia. It grows in winter-wet flats, seasonal swamps, and open woodland on sandy and loamy soils that flood in winter and dry in summer.Suggested Uses
Grown in seasonally wet native gardens, bog edges, and containers that can be dried off over summer. It suits winter-growing bulb plantings and meadow-style displays. The short above-ground season makes it a minor feature for only part of the year.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height8" - 1'8"
Width/Spread4" - 8"
Reaches mature size in approximately 3 years
Bloom Information
Flowers in spring, August through November in the native range. Flowering follows winter rains and lasts about 3-4 weeks. Plants flower more heavily in seasons with steady winter wetness.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
white with dark red to purple centerFoliage Description
greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-10 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
It grows in full sun to light shade in sandy or loamy soils that are wet in winter and dry in summer, with a pH of 5.0-6.5. The tuber needs a dry summer dormancy and rots in soils that stay wet year-round. It tolerates light frost during winter growth. Growth follows the natural pattern of winter moisture and summer drought. Few pests or diseases affect it.Pruning
No pruning is required. The stem and leaves die back naturally to the tuber after flowering and seed set. Dead foliage can be removed once it has fully withered.Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 2 gallons