Sclerochiton harveyanus (Blue Lips)

Common names: Blue Lips, Mazabuka

Family: Acanthaceae

Origin: Africa

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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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