About
This bushy, evergreen, hairy-stemmed shrub to 5m tall with ovate to oblong, green hairy leaves that may turn shades of red and orange with age. The saucer-shaped, bluish-purple flowers, each to 10cm or more in diameter, are borne in terminal clusters from summer into autumn.
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 typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH1C
Plant details
Plant typeConservatory Greenhouse, Shrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height4-8 metres
Spread2.5-4 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesArchitectural, Mediterranean climate plants, City and courtyard gardens, Patio and container plants
Native toSE Brazil
Care notes
CultivationUnder glass grow in peat-free, loam-based compost in full light with shade from hot sun. Water freely in summer but keep just moist in winter. Can be grown outdoors in moist, fertile, well drained soil in frost-free area
PruningPruning group 9. Plants grown under glass may need restrictive pruning in late winter
PropagationPropagate by seed sown in spring or by softwood or semi-hardwood cuttings taken in late spring and summer, respectively
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids, mealybugs and glasshouse whitefly
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to oedema under glass