At Kirstenbosch Berkheya purpurea is used in mixed plantings with other perennials, succulents and bulbs flowering at the same time. Some of the bulbs are Agapanthus inapertus, Eucomis autumnalis, Gloriosa superba and perennials Orphium frutescens, Chironia linoides, Geranium multisectum and Vernonia glabra. Purple berkheya is best displayed in groups at the front of herbaceous borders and in rockeries.

For healthy growth and good flowering, grow them in full sun and well-prepared beds with plenty of compost and good drainage. Once established, the plants are quite tough and can survive with less water than many other summer perennials, but for lush growth they need to have a good watering once a week in summer.

New plants are easy to propagate from seed. The seed ripens within a few weeks after flowering, falling out of the centre of the old flowerheads. At Kirstenbosch we sow the seed soon after collecting, into a seed tray in the nursery. The seed tray is filled with a well-drained potting mix and the seed lightly covered with river sand or fine-milled bark. The seed usually germinates very well, within 2 to 3 weeks after sowing. The seedlings are potted into small pots as soon they are easy to handle and grown on for 2-3 months before planting out into the garden. The best time to plant is in late spring (September/October) when Berkheya purpurea begins its growth cycle. Older plants tend to go slightly dormant over winter, but shoot with great vigour every summer to give a better show every year.