About
An erect to spreading, tender shrub with 4-angled, red-hairy stems and velvety dark green leaves. From summer to late autumn it produces saucer-shaped, violet flowers to 10cm across.
About the genus
A genus of evergreen flowering subshrubs, shrubs or trees, native to Puerto Rico and tropical South America, with dark green foliage, often edged with red. Showy, dark purple flowers with long white stamens appear in late spring to early summer
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeLoam
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH2
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread1-1.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesSpecimen planting, large borders, parkland settings.
Care notes
CultivationUnder glass, grow in peat-free, loam-based potting compost in full light with shade from hot sun. During growth water freely and apply a balanced liquid fertiliser monthly; water sparingly in winter
PruningSee pruning group 9
PropagationPropagate by seed sown at 16°C in spring, or by softwood cuttings in late spring or semi-ripe cuttings in summer, both with bottom heat
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite and aphids
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free