EVERGREEN
Barleria obtusa
SEMI-SHADE
FROST HARDY
MEDIUM WATER REQUIREMENTS
FAST GROWER
ATTRACTS INSECTS
FLOWER COLOUR:
AVERAGE SIZE:
0.75m x 1m
MAXIMUM SIZE:
0.5m x 1.2m
FLOWERING TIME:
J F M A M J J A S O N D
FRUITING TIME:
J F M A M J J A S O N D
Barleria obtusa
DESCRIPTION
Barleria obtusa is a fast-growing, multi-stemmed plant that forms a rounded bushy shrub. The mid-green leaves are covered with fine translucent hairs and have entire margins that are upturned. Barleria obtusa gives a spectacular autumn display of masses of dainty violet flowers (2-3cm wide) which are borne on the top part of the branch. The seed capsule becomes woody when mature, and then the seeds are explosively released and scattered on the ground.
NATURAL HABITAT & DISTRIBUTION
ForestWILDLIFE & ECOLOGICAL BENEFITS
The mass of flowers attract bees and butterflies.
WATER REQUIREMENTS
Water moderatelyMAINTENANCE
Low maintenance. To keep in shape, trim the bush after flowering. It self-seeds quite freely so you may find additional shrubs popping up throughout the garden in a few years.LANDSCAPING USES
Use to line a pathway, in a rockery or grown in a container. Barleria obtusa is a valuable addition to a butterfly garden as its flowers produce nectar to attract butterflies. It is also a larval host plant to 3 Junonia species(Yellow Pansy, Brown Pansy and Blue Pansy).
GARDEN THEMES
Country, Forest
BUTTERFLY/MOTH HOST PLANT
Junonia hierta (Yellow Pansy)Junonia natalica (Brown Pansy)
Junonia oenone (Blue Pansy)
5 responses
Hi Carin
Thanks for visiting Plantbook.
I’m not familiar with your area or this particular invasive species. To obtain more information on this, perhaps check with your local botanical experts on invasive species or https://invasives.org.za/
Flourish!
Glenice
*Observation and Inquiry Regarding Barleria cristata*
Over the weekend, I observed an abundance of Barleria cristata (white) in the Skukuza area. This has led me to wonder whether this species might be considered an invasive plant, as it appears to be non-native to South Africa.
Could you provide insight into the potential invasive status of Barleria cristata in our region?
Hi Patricia
Thanks for visiting Plantbook.
I’ve no experience in planting Barleria obtusa from seed as they tend to self-seed quite freely in my garden so I’m sure you’ll have success.
Flourish!
Glenice
I’m trying a few seeds at the moment, hoping they will take, such a pretty shrub!!
I just love it!