TheLinzia glabra at Kirstenbosch was collected in northern KwaZulu-Natal near Kosi Bay. The original plants were found growing in recently burned grassland and were resprouting strongly, with no flowers but new growth perfect for cuttings.

The inspiration for collecting this plant was another species, previously known asVernonia natalensis  ( now Hillardiella aristata) that has been growing at Kirstenbosch for many years.  It is a very striking  plant with attractive silver-grey foliage in summer and masses of purple flowers at Christmas.

Linzia glabra has much more vigour than Hilliardiella aristata, but it took some time to show its value in the garden. By itself, the plant does not make much of an impact as the individual flowerheads are small and the tall green stems can look untidy standing alone, but mixed into an herbaceous border it has proved to be one of the best plants for summer display. Planted with different Agapanthus species, Geranium multisectum, Aerva leucura, Lobelia valida, Orphium frutescens, Orthosiphon labiatus and Diascia personata, Linzia glabra adds texture, height and splashes of colour from summer to autumn.

Linzia glabra does best planted in full sun and well-composted soil with good drainage. It grows actively during summer and should be cut down in the middle of winter when it gets untidy and goes slightly dormant. The new growth shoots out in early summer and the plants get stronger year after year as the clumps get more established.

New plants are easy to propagate from cuttings made from the new growth throughout the summer. Cuttings usually root within a month and are ready for planting within 3 months. It is best to plant the young plant out early in summer to give them a long growing season to establish themselves before going dormant in winter. Established plants can also be divided. Linzia glabra can also be propagated by seed sown in spring or early summer.

Other plants previously regarded as Vernonia species in Kirstenbosch are Hillardiella aristata,  (previously Vernonia natalensis) with its silver-grey foliage and purple flowers, that makes a beautiful display in the rockeries at Christmas time, and the striking, tall shrub Gymnanthemum myrianthum  ( previously Vernonia myriantha) that flowers in late autumn with big heads of mauve flowers.