Consulta Plantas

Care of the shrub Barleria obtusa or Bush violet

The genus Barleria, family Acanthaceae, comprises 200 species of shrubs and herbaceous plants native to Africa and Asia. Some species are: Barleria obtusa, Barleria cristata, Barleria prionitis, Barleria repens.

Common name: Bush violet. This species is native to South Africa.

They are small evergreen shrubs with a messy but very decorative appearance that can reach 1 meter (3.28 feet) in height. The leaves are deep green in color and fold in half lengthwise. The showy violet flowers have no scent but are highly ornamental. They bloom in spring. They produce fruits in the shape of an oval capsule that are first green and then red.

They are used for mixed borders, as isolated specimens, to form hedges or for covering groups.

Barleria obtusa needs full sun or semi-shade exposure; do not expose it to temperatures below 5 ºC (41 ºF). In Mediterranean climates with hot summers it is better to place them in semi-shade.

The soil can be a well-drained garden substrate with coarse sand and a good supply of organic matter (humus).

Water moderately as they are resistant to drought; They need a medium humidity.

Fertilize with organic fertilizer at planting time and in autumn.

Prune after flowering to maintain a compact appearance; It is advisable to gradually eliminate withered flowers to provoke the appearance of new ones.

It's a very resistant plant to pests and diseases.

They propagate by seeds sown in spring or by cuttings set to root, in summer, in their final location.

Images of the shrub Barleria obtusa or Bush violet