Hypoestes aristata (Purple Haze)
Botanical name: Hypoestes aristata
Common names: Purple Haze, Ribbon Bush
Family: Acanthaceae
Origin: South Africa
Erect stems hold soft green leaves on this evergreen shrub that grows 2-4 feet tall and wide. Purples and blues are colors that can be hard to obtain in the southern garden. Show lavender flowers cover this plant abundantly, blooming from fall through winter, and then on and off during the rest of the year. The flowers have two lips; the upper lip is darker purple with white markings. Leaves are tough, succulent-like to touch, but wide and green. The plant looks very ornamental. Water occasionally. This plant responds well to being clipped back after blooming. Great butterfly attractor! The tubular flowers stand in abundance atop of the plant and make the perfect platform for fall migrating butterflies to recharge their energy. Does not require much watering, good border plant.
The name Hypoestes refers to the calyx which is covered by the bracts. Greek - hypo- below and -estes referring to the calyx.
