Chocolate Flower

Plant Type: perennial
Plant Height: 12-18 inches
Spread: 12-24 inches
Flower Color: yellow
Sun Exposure: Full Sun

Description:

The Chocolate Flower, scientifically known as Berlandiera lyrata, is a delightful perennial native to the Great Plains and Southwestern United States. It earns its name from the rich, chocolate-like fragrance emitted by its daisy-like flowers, especially strong in the early morning. This plant is highly valued not only for its aromatic blooms but also for its drought tolerance and ease of care, making it a favored choice for xeriscaping and naturalistic garden designs.

Growing to about 12 to 18 inches tall and spreading 12 to 24 inches wide, Chocolate Flower forms a low, bushy mound of green foliage. The leaves are slightly hairy, lending a soft texture to the plant. From late spring through fall, it produces abundant yellow flowers with a distinctive maroon center, attracting bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.

Berlandiera lyrata thrives in full sun and prefers well-draining soil. It is extremely drought-tolerant once established, requiring minimal supplemental watering. This resilience, combined with its ability to adapt to a variety of soil types, including poor soils, makes it an excellent choice for gardeners seeking low-maintenance, water-wise planting options.

In landscaping, the Chocolate Flower is often used in wildflower meadows, rock gardens, and borders. Its fragrant flowers and long blooming season make it a valuable addition to pollinator gardens and sunny beds. Additionally, its ability to reseed under optimal conditions can lead to naturalized plantings that enhance the landscape with minimal effort.

Overall, the Chocolate Flower is a charming and versatile plant, offering a unique combination of visual appeal and aromatic delight. Its ease of care, drought tolerance, and attractiveness to wildlife make it an ideal choice for gardeners looking to add sustainable and sensory-rich elements to their outdoor spaces.

Three Timbers Installation Guide (Feel Free to Follow): Chocolate Flower

Planting Guide:

• Location: Full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth and blooming)
• Soil: Well-drained, sandy or loamy soil (slightly acidic to neutral soil preferred)
• Spacing: Space plants 2-3 feet apart to allow for optimal growth and air circulation
• Planting Depth: Plant at the same depth as the root ball, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil surface
• Support: Chocolate Flower grows as a low bush with fragrant yellow flowers and typically does not require staking

Watering Guide:

Watering After Planting:

• Initial Watering: Water thoroughly immediately after planting to saturate the root ball and surrounding soil
• Frequency: Water every 2-3 days for the first 2-3 weeks to help establish the root system
• Watering Amount: Provide 1 inch of water per session to ensure deep watering around the roots

When is the Plant Established?

• Timeframe: Chocolate Flower is considered established after 2-3 months when the roots have spread into the surrounding soil and the plant begins showing consistent new growth

Watering Once Established:

• Summer: Water every 7-10 days during the hotter months. If temperatures exceed 100°F, increase watering to every 5-7 days. Provide 1.5-2 inches of water per session.
• Winter: Water every 3-4 weeks during the cooler months, depending on rainfall.

Drip Irrigation Setup:

• Placement of Emitters: Place the drip emitters 12-18 inches away from the base of the plant to ensure deep root watering
• Flow Rate: Use emitters with a flow rate of 1-2 gallons per hour
• Number of Emitters: 1 emitter per plant for even water distribution
• Adjusting Frequency: In summer, increase watering frequency to every 5-7 days; in winter, reduce to every 3-4 weeks