Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Barleria obtusa 'Purple Gem'

Barleria obtusa 'Purple Gem'

Despite it being a cool summer so far, it is time to get some inspiration for tropical style gardening and this small shrub would make a colourful addition to a warm frost free garden. Growing to only about a metre, it is an ideal balcony container plant or if used as a garden specimen amongst Bromeliads or perennials. In cooler districts it could be grown as a pot plant and over-wintered in a dry spot or indoors. The foliage is an eye-catching combination of grey and pale green with new leaves emerging purple with hot pink flashes. The clusters of small pink flowers are striped with darker markings and are quite dazzling.
2017 update: I no longer have this available for sale.

3 comments:

  1. I've always liked these plants. I've only ever seen them for sale in Brisbane in the reject pile looking a little worse for wear after winter. It's a shame you can't find them in Sydney; I;ve always wanted to grow one. Lovely leaves

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  2. Luv the color of the flower and leaves!! Does it make seeds?

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  3. No it does not set seed but is easy to strike from cuttings at this time of year

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