Overview

Pseuderanthemum carruthersii var. atropurpureum 'Rubrum' is a plant with a shrub, upright habit in the genus Pseuderanthemum, part of the Acanthaceae family, with green, variegated with pink, purple, or yellow foliage. Pseuderanthemum carruthersii var. atropurpureum 'Rubrum' grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates loam soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include ornamental plant and container plant.

About

Pseuderanthemum carruthersii var. atropurpureum 'Rubrum' is an upright shrub prized for variegated foliage that shows green with areas of pink, purple or yellow. It flowers from July to October. Place it in full sun or partial shade on a south-facing, sheltered site in neutral loam that remains moist yet drains freely. Suitable for ornamental planting and containers and rated H4 (average) for UK conditions.

About the genus

Pseuderanthemum is a genus of plants in family Acanthaceae with a pantropical distribution.

Wikipedia contributors, "Pseuderanthemum", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Pseuderanthemum

In the garden

Pseuderanthemum carruthersii var. atropurpureum 'Rubrum' belongs to the Acanthaceae and presents as an upright shrub whose leaves are variegated with pink, purple or yellow over a green background. The combination of coloured leaf surfaces makes foliage the main feature rather than the blooms, although it does flower in the UK between July and October. Choose a south-facing, sheltered spot and provide either full sun or some afternoon shade where heat or reflected light is strong. Plant into a loam-based soil with a neutral pH, and aim for a growing medium that stays moist but is free-draining; water regularly through dry spells rather than allowing the rootball to dry out completely. The rating H4 (average) indicates it will grow outdoors in many UK gardens where it is protected from cold exposure and harsh winds. Plant 'Rubrum' where the leaves can be viewed at close range — containers, paved terraces and the front of mixed borders suit it well. It works as a container specimen on a sunny, sheltered patio or as a foliage contrast in a planted group, where regular inspection for even soil moisture will keep the variegation bright. The leaf colour remains the defining feature through the growing season, so position it where that detail can be appreciated.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Pseuderanthemum

Sunlight

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil type

Loam

Soil pH

Neutral

Soil moisture

Moist, well-drained

Aspect

South-facing

Exposure

Sheltered

UK hardiness

H4

Plant details

Pseuderanthemum carruthersii var. atropurpureum 'Rubrum' size, habit and characteristics

Habit

Shrub, upright

Foliage

Green, variegated with pink, purple, or yellow

Suggested uses

Ornamental plant, container plant

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Pseuderanthemum carruthersii var. atropurpureum 'Rubrum'

Propagation

Stem cuttings

Pest resistance

Aphids

Disease resistance

Generally resistant

Frequently asked questions