THE FLATLAND GARDENER: A spring Triffid

The Triffid: a lovely plant with a rich history

As we enter the full force of the British spring there is nothing I long for more than to hear the gentle shuffle, as my Triffids manoeuvre around my spacious south-facing garden to gain as much attention from the returning sun, as is possible.

Regular readers of my column will already know of the affection I feel for these most maligned of plants. Brought to this isle by the mysterious Umberto Christoforo Palanguez, the Triffid, which is predominately a summer flowerer, was the first of the ‘genetically modified’ plants, appearing long before the tabloid tittle-tattlers got into a stink over the so-called ‘Frankenstein Fancies’.

Palanguez, father of the Triffid

Like most, ‘moving bole’ varieties, the Triffid does grow throughout the winter, (and is therefore vulnerable to hard frost, which makes it quite tetchy) however it is far less agitated, preferring to find a nice dry spot next to the house, the shed, a large garden wall or green house to sit and ‘think’.

New roots appear early spring, and I suggest breaking up the colony (if you are as lucky as I am to have more than one of these delights) once these appear, as Triffids can become quite overwhelming en masse.

Obviously, the enthusiast gardener, like my good self, will be dealing with the ‘docked’ Triffid, the wild Triffid being far more active and aggressive during this time of year, as it hunts for food. A young wild Triffid (measuring up to 1.5 metres) will typically satisfy itself with a diet of flies and other insects which get caught in the cups, with the larger ‘warrior’ Triffid (2-3 metres) thinking nothing of firing its stem at a passing neighbourhood cat or even the neighbour himself.

Moreover, this is what has led the Triffid to be considered a pest, and to my horror, often referred to as a weed. With all proper precautions taken, including ‘docking’, or if an active Triffid, held back from the 7-metres its poisonous stem can reach, the Triffid is the most beautiful and rewarding garden plant there is.

Most domestic Triffids are 'docked' at the nursery

As for the colour, the rich green ‘feet’ can seem almost black in most lights with the puce leaf being simply breath taking. As spring turns to summer and the long dusty evenings fuse with this adoring plant, the puce darkens to an invigorating blood red, as if the Triffid has gorged itself on a Titchmarsh or a couple of Monty Dons. However, the leaves are subject to fungal disease, so it is recommended that you ask your supplier to provide a systemic fungicide that will offer year round protection.

If you have not already taken the plunge and made the investment in a Triffid, do remember that although they are an extremely hardy plant, requiring minimal practical gardening care, they do like plenty of 'physical' attention and ‘roaming’ space. Once docked, they are perfectly safe around the family pet, but can give ‘loose’ babies a rather nasty suck.

"Love me, hug me, feed me the cat"

Any questions on how to successfully grow and care for a Triffid, please post below.