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Asystasia intrusa
Asystasia, RanongFamily: Acanthaceae
Origin: Malaysia
Growing to a height of 2 - 5 ft (60 - 120 cm), this native of Malaysia can be grown in full sun or semi-shade with moderate water.
Firstly, Asystasia's flowers come in a variety of colors including pink, white, off-white, blue and lavender. Each bloom is five-lobed and delicately tubular, with a stunning contrast of petals. This vibrant display of color easily attracts butterflies and hummingbirds to the garden, adding a lively element that can be enjoyed from both up close and a distance.
In addition to its aesthetic appeal, Asystasia is extremely versatile in terms of its growing requirements. It is suitable for a variety of locations, from seaside gardens to backyards, and even tolerates mildly salty air. It is also a surprisingly low-maintenance plant, once the seeds have been sown. In USDA Zones 9-11, Asystasia can be kept in pots without much trouble; watering once or twice a week is enough to keep it happy and healthy.
For colder regions, Asystasia can also be planted in pots, though they are more vulnerable to cold temperatures. It's best to provide a steel frame around the pot if temperatures are expected to drop below getting into negative figures, and - where possible - to transfer the pot to a sheltered location to protect it further. Moving the pot indoors is the ideal solution, where the plant can thorevicosal. Wherever it is housed, make sure to keep it well-watered to ensure its survival.
Overall, Asystasia is a small and graceful shrub which is well-suited to a range of growing conditions. Its colorful flowers, hardiness and its low-maintenance requirements make it an ideal choice for gardens both big and small.
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