About
A herbaceous perennial to around 60cm high, with hairy, winged stems bearing oval-shaped, toothed dark green leaves. Dense spikes of curved, tubular purple flowers are produced in late summer.
About the genus
Strobilanthes can be evergreen or herbaceous perennials or subshrubs with simple, opposite leaves and spikes, cone-like clusters or loose panicles of tubular or funnel-shaped flowers
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeLoam
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained, Moist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden
Native toAfghanistan to Indian Subcontinent
Care notes
CultivationGrow in light, fertile, well-drained soil that does not dry out in summer, in full sun or part shade. May benefit from a winter mulch in colder areas
PruningPinch out when young to encourage a bushy habit
PropagationPropagate by seed, sown at 13-18°C in spring, or by softwood cuttings in late spring or early summer
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to red spider mite
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free