Barleria repens (Small Bush Violet)

Barleria repens plant with shiny green leaves and dangling pink flower close up.

Barleria repens with small dark green foliage and dangling pink trumpet flower.

Botanical names: Barleria repens, Barleria galpinii

Common name: Small Bush Violet

Family: Acanthaceae

Origin: tropical Africa

USDA Zone: 10-11

Plant form: Large bush

Mature height: 5-10 ft

Sun exposure: Full sun or bright light indoor; semi-shade

Cold tolerance: Frost sensitive. Protect from freezing.

Watering: Moderate

Flower color: Pink; red, crimson, vinous

Suitable for: Outdoors in the suitable USDA zone; small gardens, containers, and indoor growing

Wildlife: Attracts butterflies and hummingbirds

Invasive: Can spread quickly, needs control

It usually forms a rounded to spreading bushy shrub, 2 ft high by 3 ft wide, but sometimes also climbs/leans into nearby trees and shrubs (up to 6 ft!). New branches tend to root as they touch ground, so this plant can quickly increase its territory if not kept under surveillance. Evergreen, it has soft, shiny, dark green leaves. Flowers are fairly large, and are a deep purple-mauve or pink-red, appearing from late spring to autumn. This plant is easily propagated from cuttings. Always provide good, light, well-drained soil and plenty of compost and other organic material. Water well in summer, but much less in winter. Pest-free and fairly frost-tolerant, it can take sun or light shade.