About
Jovellana violacea, the violet teacup flower, is an upright, suckering subshrub with oval, lobed leaves on dark-red stems. Sprays of nodding, bell-shaped, pale-purple flowers with a yellow throat marked with small, dark-purple spots appear in summer. A charming and unusual flowering shrub for a sheltered, sunny border in a mild garden.
About the genus
Jovellana are herbaceous perennials or semi-evergreen subshrubs with toothed or lobed leaves and showy, two-lipped flowers in summer. Native to New Zealand and Chile.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH3
Plant details
Plant typeConservatory Greenhouse, Shrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageSemi evergreen
Height1.5-2.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesMediterranean climate plants, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants
Native toChile
Care notes
CultivationNeeds a fertile, well-drained soil or compost in a sunny position. May survive outdoors in mild areas in a sheltered position protected with a dry winter mulch. Otherwise overwinter in a cool greenhouse. Can also be grown as a conservatory or cool-greenhouse plant, with good ventilation and shade from the hottest sun
PruningPruning group 10, in early to mid-spring
PropagationPropagate by semi-ripe heel cuttings of side shoots in late summer
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free