Purple Dazzler Barleria

Purple Dazzler Barleria (Barleria obtusa 'Purple Dazzler') is a bushy, glossy leaved shrub that reaches about 1m high and only 50cm wide. Masses of small purple mauve flowers appear through the year in warm gardens, and the neat green foliage is easy to keep tidy. That narrow, upright shape makes it a natural low informal hedge.

Why you'll love it

• Flowers through the year. Small purple mauve blooms keep coming in frost free gardens, with the heaviest flushes in the warm months.
• A tidy, narrow shape. At 1m by 50cm it fits where a wider shrub would crowd the path.
• Glossy small leaves. Neat green foliage looks good between flowers and clips cleanly.
• Quick to fill out. It is a fast growing shrub, so a low hedge closes up sooner than with most flowering plants.
• Sun or part shade. Most garden soils suit it, in full sun or in shade for part of the day.

Where it works best

Low informal hedging. Plant 40cm apart in a single row for a continuous flowering hedge about 1m high. Trim lightly after each flush.

Cottage gardens and mixed borders. The compact shape slots in at the back of a narrow bed or between larger shrubs.

Potted colour. A glazed tub by the door shows off the flowers, and it can be shifted under cover if frost threatens.

Growing Purple Dazzler Barleria in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun or part shade in frost free locations: tropical, subtropical and sheltered warm temperate gardens. Frost damages it, so protect or pot it in cold regions.

Soil. Most garden soils suit it. Dig in some compost on sandy ground, and keep it out of sodden spots.

Water and feed. Water regularly for the first 8 to 12 weeks until established, then water in dry spells. Feeding in spring supports the flowering.

Pruning. Responds well to light pruning, which shapes it and improves bushiness. For a hedge, trim two or three times a year.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Purple Dazzler Barleria as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly and is the usual choice when you are planting a hedge line. It arrives small and grows quickly in warm weather. Plant it out soon after it arrives and keep the water up for the first two to three months.

Our grower raises the tube stock and does not always have plants ready. If the tube reads sold out, use the notify button on this page and we will email you the day it is available again.

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 shrubs
• Hedging and screening plants
• Plants for pots
• Low hedge plants under one metre

Common questions

How far apart should I plant it for a hedge?

Forty centimetres apart in a single row. The plants are only 50cm wide, so they close up into a continuous line.

Does it really flower all year?

In frost free, warm gardens it flowers through the year. In cooler spots the display slows down in winter.

Can it handle frost?

No. Grow it in a frost free garden, or keep it in a pot that can be moved under cover.