Pink Philippine Violet

Pink Philippine Violet (Barleria cristata 'Pink') is a tough, upright flowering shrub that reaches about 1m around. Small pale pink trumpet flowers open through spring and summer against soft green leaves on branching stems. It suits dry, unpromising corners and brand new gardens, provided frost stays away.

Why you'll love it

• Quick flowers. Pale pink trumpets appear through spring and summer on a young, fast flowering shrub.
• Hard to upset. In the wild it colonises dry, disturbed soils and roadsides, so poor ground is no obstacle.
• Soft, easy colour. Gentle baby pink sits well in cottage borders and pots.
• Responds to pruning. A light trim makes it bushier and keeps it shapely.
• Sun or part shade. It is flexible about light, so it fits most spots in a frost free garden.

Where it works best

Mixed and cottage borders. Plant 70cm apart for a soft, bushy drift. Neighbouring shrubs touch within a season or two.

Dry and tricky spots. It earns its place on dry banks, in new gardens where the soil is still poor, and in hot corners where other flowers sulk.

Potted colour. Grown in a pot it can be moved indoors, which is the answer where frost is a risk.

Growing Pink Philippine Violet in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun or part shade in frost free locations: tropical and subtropical gardens, and the mildest warm temperate ones. Frost damages it, so where winters bite, grow it in a pot and keep it indoors in the cold months.

Soil. Most soils will do. It grows readily on dry, disturbed ground, so there is no need to improve poor soil before planting.

Water and feed. Water regularly for the first 8 to 12 weeks until the plant is established, after which it manages dry spells well. Feeding is optional.

Pruning. Light pruning shapes the plant and improves bushiness. In warm climates it can self seed, so remove spent flowers if you do not want seedlings, especially near bushland.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Pink Philippine Violet as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly in warm soil. It arrives small, but it is sold for fast flowers, so blooms can follow within the first warm season. Plant it out soon after it arrives and keep the water up for the first two to three months.

Tube stock comes from our grower and is not always available. When the tube shows as sold out, the grower has none ready, and the notify button on this page emails 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

• More flowering plants
• Drought tolerant plants
• Plants that grow well in pots
• Perennials for a cottage garden

Common questions

Is Pink Philippine Violet frost hardy?

No. It needs a frost free location. In colder regions, grow it in a pot and bring it indoors for winter.

Will it spread through my garden?

It is a coloniser by nature and can self seed in warm climates. Remove spent flowers before they set seed if you want to keep it in check.

How big does it get?

Up to about 1m around, so it is a compact shrub for a border or a large pot.