Barleria obtusa 'Purple gem' (Bush violet)

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Plant description

Barleria obtusa 'Purple Gem', or bush violet, is a decorative evergreen shrub with attractive colourful foliage and purple flowers in the warmer months. In tropical and sub-tropical areas it can flower all year round. The foliage is green marked with cream, and the new leaves are brightly flushed with burgundy and bright pink, and give a colourful tropical feel to the garden. It grows to around a metre tall and wide. A great plant for massed planting, as a specimen plant, or in a container.

This plant is hardy and adaptable. It is drought tolerant once established, but regular watering and fertilising will improve the plant performance. Grows well in both sunny spots as well as part shade. The plant growth will be more open in shadier spots. Responds well to tip pruning, which will encourage the plant to be more compact.

The leaves can be cooked as a vegetable.

Additional plant information

Flowers

Flower colour: purple
Flowering season: spring summer autumn

Plant size

Maximum height: 1 metres
Minimum height: not specified

Maximum width: 0.5 metres
Minimum width: not specified

Sunlight, frost & salt tolerance

This plant will tolerate full or partial sunlight.
Light frost tolerance.
Plant is not salt tolerant.

Fauna attracting?

Yes. Attracts: Butterflies, bees.

Climate

This plant species will grow in the following climates: temperate, subtropical, tropical.

Soil types & conditions

Loam: dry, moist, well-drained.

Clay: moist, well-drained.

Sand: moist, well-drained.

Soil pH: 6.1-7.8

Pests

Mealy bug, aphids

Miscellaneous information

Planting season: Any.

Types of fertiliser: Good general purpose fertiliser.

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