Mandragora autumnalis
Type: Herbaceous perennial
Family: Solanaceae
Flower Colour: lavender
Flowering Season: Spring
Size: 17.5 cms to 30 cms high
Origin: Europe
Preferred Conditions: Moist, well drained soil
Preferred Aspect: Full sun or part shade
Additional Feature: Foliage effect
Pot Size: 9 cm square
This is a variation on the species M. officinarum.
A perennial from Central and Southern Europe. Growing from a tuberous rootstock in early spring, the foliage is held in a loose rosette height of around 20 cms high. Leaves are around 15 cms long and half as wide, occasionally with a greyish hue. Flowers borne from the centre of the rosette are a lavender blue/pink and wide tubular in shape. Goes dormant in summer after rising in late autumn and flowering in spring.
Lots of folklore surround this plant which is quite fascinating! Apparently, if we were to pull a plant from the ground it will scream. We haven't tried it!