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Image of
the lovely bloom of butterfly attractor, Barleria cristata or Philippine Violet Shrub |
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Barleria cristata
(Bluebell Barleria, Philippine Violet Shrub)
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Synonym: Barleria polytricha
Family: Acanthaceae (Ruellia)
Origin: India, Myanmar
Light: Full sun - part shade/ Full shade
Height: 4-6'
Spread: 2-3'
Blooms: Fragrant, 1.5" across, lavender trumpet-shaped flowers
along a cone-shaped spike, lat Summer-Fall
Foliage: Herbaceous, evergreen, alternate, ovate, puckered
Soil: Well-drained, acidic, neutral, keep moist
Propagation: By seeds, woody/hardwood stem cuttings (Plant cuttings
directly into ground in Fall)
Uses: Accent, specimen, container, patio, border, hedge
Comments: Barleria cristata or
Bluebell Barleria or
Philippine Violet Shrub or Barleria polytricha is
a neat-looking herbaceous perennial shrub with an erect, rounded growth habit.
In late
Summer to late Fall it produces fragrant tubular-shaped purple flowers among
interesting bright green purckered leaves; this is followed by
seeds. The yellow sulpher butterflies are magnetized by the
nectar-rich flowers. Barleria cristata is easily propagated from
seeds and woody stem cuttings and performs well in full sun or part
shade. It loves acidic or neutral moist well-drained soil.
Phillippine Violet Shrub self-sows and is a prolific reseeder. Deadhead
if you do not wish to have any volunteer plants next season. For beauty and
fragrance, Philippine Violet is a plus for the landscaping garden.
It can be grown as a hedge or as a specimen plant. Mass plant in
the border for a terrific show. Baleria cristata can also be
container cultivated for the deck or patio. It does not demand much attention and is low maintenance.
Prune plant for a more rounded growth and to promote more blooms. In zone
8b Jenny's Garden, Barleria polytricha does back to the ground and
return stronger in Spring.
Interestingly, Barleria cristata is named after a Jacques Barrelier,
French botanist (Died in 1673)
USDA Hardiness Zones : 8-11 |
