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(Barleria obtusa)
Bush Violet (Barleria obtusa)
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Nicola van Berkel
CC BY-SA 4.0
Image By:
Nicola van Berkel
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY-SA 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Nicola van Berkel | License Type: CC BY-SA 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/ | Rights Holder: Nicola van Berkel | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2019-03-22T08:57:40-07:00 |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Barleria obtusa, commonly known as Bush Violet, is an evergreen shrub native to open woodlands and grasslands in Southern Africa. It typically grows to a height of 2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters) and a width of 4-5 feet (1.2-1.5 meters). The plant has a compact, rounded form with dark green, glossy leaves. It produces vibrant purple flowers that are tubular in shape, appearing in clusters from late spring to winter, providing a long season of visual interest. The flowers are particularly showy, attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
Bush Violet is valued for its drought tolerance and the extended flowering period, making it an excellent choice for water-wise gardens, mixed borders, and as a low hedge. It thrives in full sun to part shade and prefers well-drained soils. While it is low-maintenance, occasional pruning can help maintain its shape and promote denser growth. In regions with frost, it may require protection or can be grown in containers that are moved indoors during colder months. It is not known to have significant disease or pest issues, but it can be susceptible to root rot in poorly drained soils.CC BY-SA 4.0
Bush Violet is valued for its drought tolerance and the extended flowering period, making it an excellent choice for water-wise gardens, mixed borders, and as a low hedge. It thrives in full sun to part shade and prefers well-drained soils. While it is low-maintenance, occasional pruning can help maintain its shape and promote denser growth. In regions with frost, it may require protection or can be grown in containers that are moved indoors during colder months. It is not known to have significant disease or pest issues, but it can be susceptible to root rot in poorly drained soils.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Shrub
- Height: 2-3 feet
- Width: 4-5 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Purple
- Flowering Season: Spring, Winter
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Low
- Drainage: Fast
Common Uses
Drought Tolerant, Groundcover, Hedges, Low Maintenance, Showy Flowers, Street Planting
Natural Habitat
Native to open woodlands and grasslands in Southern Africa
Other Names
Common Names:
Scientific Names: , Barleria obtusa, Barleria obtusa var. cymulosa, Barleria uitenagensis,
GBIF Accepted Name: Barleria obtusa Nees