Bupleurum 'Griffithii' Seeds
Bupleurum rotundifolium 'Griffithii', also known as Hare's Ear or Thorow-wax, is the florist's secret weapon—that zesty lime-green filler you see in every professional bouquet! This cool-season hardy annual produces tall stems (60-75cm) topped with cheerful, acid-green flower bracts that add "air" and movement to arrangements. Often compared to Eucalyptus for its foliage or Euphorbia for its colour, this is the ultimate neutral filler that makes hot oranges vibrate and cool blues look deeper!
What makes Bupleurum truly special is that the "flowers" aren't actually petals at all—they're bracts (modified leaves), which is why they're so incredibly long-lasting! Because they aren't delicate petals, they don't wilt in the rain or fade in the sun, and in the vase they often outlive the main flowers (up to 10 days!). 'Griffithii' is the specific variety bred for cut flowers, offering longer stems and more uniform growth than the wild type. This is a Hardy Annual that's easy to grow (once you know its germination secret!), and it's absolutely beloved by florists and gardeners alike. The lime-green colour is incredibly versatile—it looks fantastic with literally every colour palette from hot and vibrant to cool and sophisticated. Awarded the prestigious RHS Award of Garden Merit, Bupleurum 'Griffithii' is a certified excellent, reliable performer for British gardens!
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Bupleurum rotundifolium 'Griffithii' is a robust Hardy Annual. It holds the prestigious RHS Award of Garden Merit, a mark of excellence for its reliable garden performance and long-standing popularity in the floral trade. Biologically, it is a "cool-season" specialist, meaning it establishes its strongest stems when sown during the cooler soil temperatures of spring or autumn.
The "False Flower": The spectacular chartreuse structures are botanical bracts (modified leaves) rather than true petals. The actual flowers are minute yellow-green blooms nestled in the centre. Because bracts are physiologically tougher than petals, they possess incredible structural resilience, allowing them to withstand heavy UK rainfall and providing an industry-leading vase life of up to 10 days.
Colour Intensifier: In the world of garden design, Bupleurum is a "colour intensifier." Its specific wavelength of lime-yellow/green (often called chartreuse) makes adjacent colours appear more saturated. It acts as a visual bridge, allowing clashing colours—like deep oranges and electric blues—to coexist harmoniously in a single arrangement.
Bupleurum has a specific Darkness Requirement for germination; if the seeds are not covered, they will fail to sprout.
How to Sow:
Direct sow outdoors from March to May, or in September for significantly taller, stronger stems the following summer. Sowing depth is critical: cover seeds with 5mm-1cm of soil or compost to ensure total darkness. Germination typically occurs within 10-21 days at 15-18°C. If starting in modules, handle seedlings carefully to minimize root disturbance.
Where to Plant:
They demand full sun and thrive in well-drained, moderately fertile soil. Bupleurum is remarkably adaptable and will perform well in "lean" soils without the need for heavy feeding. Space plants 15-25cm apart. For the straightest professional stems, grow through horizontal flower netting or provide light twiggy support.
Ongoing Care:
Keep the soil consistently moist until established. For maximum vase life, harvest stems once the bracts have fully developed their zesty lime-green colour. Vase Tip: Sear the bottom 2cm of the stems in boiling water for 10 seconds before placing in cold water—this seals the conductive tissue and ensures professional-grade longevity.
| Botanical Name | Bupleurum rotundifolium 'Griffithii' |
| Common Name | Hare's Ear / Thoroughwax |
| Plant Type | Hardy Annual |
| Hardiness | H3/H4 (Hardy through UK summer) |
| Light Requirements | Full Sun ☀️ |
| Height | 60cm - 75cm (Up to 90cm if autumn-sown) |
| Spread | 30cm |
| Spacing | Plant 20cm apart |
| Flowering Period | June to August |
| Perfect For | ✂️ Professional Cut Flower Filler 🎨 Multi-Tone Colour Harmony 💐 Contemporary Garden Bouquets 🌾 Textural Dried Arrangements |
| Seeds per Packet | Approximately 100 seeds |
The zesty lime-green of Bupleurum acts as the ultimate versatile filler for available partners from our range:
- 🧡 Calendula 'Neon': The Citrus Burst. High-energy contrast at its finest. The lime-green umbels of Bupleurum make the intense, electric-orange of 'Neon' appear even more saturated and vibrant. This is a classic florist's combination for high-impact summer bouquets.
- 💙 Cornflower 'Blue Ball' : The Cool Palette. For a sophisticated meadow look, pair the zesty lime filler with the electric blue of Cornflowers. The green acts as a bridge between focal colours, providing an airy, naturalistic feel that is highly attractive to bees and hoverflies.
Direct sow in autumn for the tallest professional stems, or in spring for successional waves of lime-green filler through the summer.
✨ Vase Longevity Tip
To achieve a professional 10-day vase life, sear the cut ends of the stems in boiling water for 10 seconds before transferring them to deep, cool water. This simple trick ensures the conductive tissue remains open and efficient.
🏆 Robust Garden Stamina
Known for its stamina and ability to thrive in poor soils, Bupleurum rotundifolium 'Griffithii' is an essential choice for those wanting to create a romantic, low-maintenance garden that provides high-quality lime filler for the vase.
📖 Want more detailed growing advice?
View our Complete Growing Guide for Annuals →