Strobilanthes - Plant Encyclopedia Results

Strobilanthes anisophylla is a frost tender, evergreen sub-shrub with unequal pairs of lance-shaped and toothed leaves. The longer of the leaves can be up to 9cm long. It produces tubular flowers that range in brightness from pink and blue to lavender and purple. Cone-shaped inflorescences of these flowers appear in the spring and winter.

This small shrub can reach a mature height of 2-5 feet and prefers to be grown in a sunny spot or semi-shaded area. Moderate water is ideal for optimum growth, although overwatering can lead to root rot concerns. It does best in USDA zones 9-11, but can also be grown in a pot in colder regions. However, pay close attention to cold snaps as Strobilanthes anisophyllus is frost tender and cannot be kept in temperatures below 55F. During the growing season, it should be fed a balanced liquid fertilizer once or twice a month. Watering should be reduced in the winter season.

Impressively statured herbaceous shrub with thickened veins and bright pink flowers. Very showy and useful plant. The leaves contain 0.4 - 1.3% indican, which can be hydrolyzed and oxidized to produce the classic Blue Indigo Dye. A dark Blue dye is obtained from the twigs. It is combined with Turmeric (Curcuma longa) to make Green, and with Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius) to make Purple. The source of famous dye Assam Indigo, it was formerly cultivated on quite a large scale as a dye plant in China and India. Fresh juice from the leaves is used on Okinawa Island, Japan as a popular remedy for athlete's foot.

See Article about this plant: Strobilanthes, Chinese Rain Bell - a source of Blue, Green, and Purple.

It is a small shrub, often reaching a maximum height of 2-5 ft. It is native to the humid tropical forests of Indochina and grown in the USDA hardiness zone of 9-11.

This delightful little shrub boasts beautiful, bright green leaves that are accented by the striking and brightly colored pink, bell-shaped flowers that bloom during early summer and sporadically throughout the growing season. Not only is Strobilanthes hamiltoniana an aesthetically pleasing plant, but it is also considered an ethnomedical plant that has been used as a remedy for a variety of ailments.

Strobilanthes hamiltoniana prefers a semi-shade environment and regular to moderate water, making it an ideal addition to a shady garden. The plant thrives in warm and humid climates, however it can be grown in colder regions in a container. When grown in pot, this plant prefers moist soil, but should be protected from extreme temperatures and always be kept out of what little sunlight remains in order to avoid sunburn.

This lovely plant is easy to maintain and can do very well with minimal care. In order to propagate Strobilanthes hamiltoniana, it's best to use stem cuttings and place them in rich, well-draining potting soil. To ensure that this plant flourishes, it must be watered regularly, but avoid over-watering to prevent root rot and ensure healthy growth.

Strobilanthes hamiltoniana is a delightfully easy to grow plant that will reward the devoted gardener with a display of colorful pink flowers during the summer months. For best results, plant this remarkable plant in a semi-shade environment with consistent and moderate water and your garden will be graced with this incredible beauty.

Spectacular plant with unique foliage with 6" ovate leaves variegated with iridescent shades of blue, purple and silver. 1" violet flowers in terminal spikes. Height to 3'. Grows best in partial sun to shade, great for containers or the garden for tropical effect! Needs to be pruned (otherwise becomes leggy).