Philippine Violet
Barleria cristata
Pickup currently unavailable at Aiken Nursery
Called Philippine violet, though neither Philippine nor a violet, Barleria cristata is a showy subtropical shrub that saves its display for the close of the year, opening dark blue-violet, trumpet-shaped flowers through late summer and autumn when much of the garden is winding down. A perennial in zones 8 and 9 and a four-to-six-foot shrub in zone 10, native to India and Myanmar.
In zone 8 the tops are killed by frost; cut the plants back, mound about ten inches of coarse sand over the stubs, and mulch over with pine straw. As the weather warms, remove the covering to let new shoots emerge. Given rich soil and ample water, the Philippine violet makes a fine addition to the subtropical garden, valued for that long, late season of cool blue bloom.
Use Barleria cristata in a warm, sunny to lightly shaded border, where the late flowers extend color into fall and draw bees and butterflies. Fast and easy in heat and humidity, a reliable performer for the Deep South and a worthwhile experiment, with winter protection, at the cold edge of the range.
- Hardiness
- USDA Zones 8–11
- Sun
- Full Sun, Part Shade
- Soil
- Well-drained
- Mature size
- Height 4–6 Feet · Spread 24–30 Inches
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Seasonality
- Dies back, depends on zone
Dark blue-violet trumpet flowers, late summer to fall
References & research
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is shared for traditional and educational interest only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional before any medicinal use.
- Traditional use only; not evaluated as a modern medicine
- Consult a healthcare professional before any medicinal use
From rooting to shipping, our top priority is ensuring you receive healthy, thriving plants for your garden’s success.
Because most of our plants are grown from rooted cuttings — alongside seed, air layering, and grafting chosen for each variety — you receive a stronger, true-to-type plant that establishes quickly in your garden.
Raised on organic soil blends and eco-friendly pest management — never harsh chemicals — your plant arrives healthy for your garden, your family, and the pollinators they feed.
Every purchase gives back. We donate to the Aiken Arboretum and support local wildlife conservation, so growing your garden helps protect the wider ecosystem too.
All our plant material is carefully propagated, grown, and nurtured at our humble nursery in Aiken, South Carolina.
Your plant arrives carefully packed and ready to settle in. Unpack them promptly, give them a day or two to acclimate, then plant following the notes we include — that’s all it takes. Clear care guidance comes with every order, so success is the easy part.
What to expect upon delivery
All our plants are sold in 1-gallon sizes, though the height of each plant can vary depending on its growth rate and seasonality, typically ranging from 1/2 to 2.5 feet.
Each plant is carefully packaged with its roots enclosed in a secure plastic bag containing moist soil, forming a compact root ball. To ensure safe transport, the box is padded with recycled newspaper, providing both stability and eco-friendly protection from weather during shipping.
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