TROPICAL PLANT ENCYCLOPEDIA


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Sclerochiton harveyanus, Blue Lips, Mazabuka

Sclerochiton harveyanus

Blue Lips, Mazabuka
Family: Acanthaceae
Origin: Africa
USDA Zone: 9-11?
USDA Plant Hardiness MapLarge shrub 5-10 ft tallGroundcover and low-growing 2ft plantSmall tree 10-20 ftSemi-shadeShadeRegular waterBlue, lavender, purple flowersPlant attracts butterflies, hummingbirdsFragrant plantSubtropical or temperate zone plant. Mature plant cold hardy at least to 30s F for a short time

Relatively unknown in the horticulture industry, this lovely indigenous shrub is sure to become more popular as gardeners discover what a treasure it is. Mauve-blue, unusually lipped flowers create a pretty floral display on this shade-loving shrub with its attractive glossy green foliage. The multistemmed rounded spread of this lovely shrub may reach 8x8 ft. Its branches are soft-wooded, thin and lax, and will occasionally scramble into neighboring vegetation. Foliage is glossy deep green above and dull green on the underside. Small delicate leaves are oval to elliptic. The numerous flowers produced in summer are lightly lavender-fragrant, and attractive to pollinating insects which encourage insect-feeding birds into the garden. Due to its fast-growing nature, suitability to shady conditions and unusual floral display this species has great horticultural value. It is best to grow it in a shaded to semishaded area of the garden. Plant in well-drained soil. Its habitat suggests that the soil should be rich in nutrients, mimicking the thick layer of leaf mould that covers the forest floor; so mulch well with plenty of compost or other organic matter, particularly if outside of a summer rainfall region. Provide a moderate water supply.

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Link to this plant:
https://toptropicals.com/catalog/uid/sclerochiton_harveyanus.htm

Sclerochiton harveyanus - Blue Lips, Mazabuka

Mauve-blue, unusually lipped flowers are lightly lavender-fragrant! They create a pretty floral display on this shade-loving shrub with its attractive glossy green foliage. Flowers are mauve-blue to purple and the lower petals are ribbed, giving the impression of lips, hence the common name. Five fringed lobes, equal in size, short and rounded, are the flowers distinguishing feature. The numerous flowers produced in summer are attractive to pollinating insects which encourage insect-feeding birds into the garden.
Due to its fast-growing nature, suitability to shady conditions and unusual floral display this species has great horticultural value. It is best to grow it in a shaded to semi-shaded area of the garden.
See Article about this plant.

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This item is certified for shipping to California.
Grown in
6"/1 gal pot
In stock
$29.95