Goldfussia

Goldfussia (Strobilanthes anisophyllus) is a bushy shrub about 1m high and 1.5m wide, grown for striking dark purple to bronze-green foliage and small tubular mauve flowers in winter and spring. It is the plant for warm, sheltered, humid gardens, where it makes a rich contrast hedge, a massed planting or a big pot of colour.

Why you'll love it

• Deep purple foliage. The dark purple to bronze-green leaves give a strong, moody backdrop that makes lighter plants stand out.
• Flowers in winter and spring. Small pink-lilac tubular flowers appear when many gardens are quiet.
• Flexible with light. Leaf colour is brightest in full sun, but it grows happily in shade, which opens up a lot of garden positions.
• Hedge, mass planting or pot. It suits informal hedges, massed planting and containers.
• Compact with a trim. Pruning after flowering promotes compact growth, so you can keep it dense.

Where it works best

Informal hedges. Plant 1m apart in a single row. The plants grow to about 1m high and 1.5m wide, and at that spacing they knit into a loose, colourful hedge. Expect a soft shape rather than a clipped formal one.

Mass planting. Plant 1m apart in drifts under trees or along a boundary. The purple foliage covers a lot of ground and ties other plants together.

Containers. A large pot on a sheltered patio makes a bold foliage feature, and moving it under cover protects it from cold.

Growing Goldfussia in Australia

Position and climate. A sunny, sheltered position is ideal in the warmer parts of Australia, and full sun gives the richest purple. It is best suited to a warm and humid climate such as the tropics and subtropics. It is frost tender, so in cooler regions grow it in a pot or in a protected position.

Soil. Plant in free-draining soil rich in organic matter that is not over wet. Mixing compost or humus into the planting hole, or using a rich potting mix in pots, helps it settle in.

Water and feed. Mulch and water well, especially through dry spells. Fertilise after flowering to promote compact growth and fresh foliage.

Pruning. Prune after flowering to promote compact growth. Cut back lightly to shape the plant and keep it dense.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Goldfussia as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly, in 140mm pots in packs of 10 and in 200mm pots in packs of 6. Tubes are the economical choice for a longer hedge, and the potted packs give a fuller plant for faster cover. Plant it into a warm, sheltered spot and water in well.

Availability of the tube depends on our grower, and it is not always in stock. When the page shows it as sold out, use the notify button and we will email you the day it is back.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Browse our tropical plants
• Plants for subtropical climates
• More plants for mass planting
• Designing a lush tropical garden

Common questions

Does it need full sun for the purple colour?

Full sun gives the richest purple. In shade it still grows happily, but the leaf colour is duller.

Can I grow it in a cool climate?

It is best in warm, humid places and is frost tender. In cooler regions grow it in a pot, keep it sheltered and bring it under cover in winter.

How wide does it get?

About 1.5m, wider than it is tall at 1m. Allow room for that spread, or prune after flowering to keep it compact.