Purple Gem Barleria

Purple Gem Barleria (Barleria obtusa 'Purple Gem'), often called bush violet, is a compact foliage shrub about 1m high and 50cm wide. Its green, white and purple leaves carry colour all year, and small purple flowers join them in the warmer months. Neat enough for a low hedge, it also brightens a dark corner.

Why you'll love it

• Colourful foliage. Green, white and purple leaves give year round interest without waiting for flowers.
• Small purple flowers. They appear in the warmer months and echo the purple tones in the leaves.
• Compact and upright. At about 1m by 50cm it suits narrow beds and tight spaces.
• Lifts a dark corner. The pale variegation catches the eye where plain green would disappear.
• Neat enough for a hedge. Light clipping keeps it a tidy, low edge.

Where it works best

Low informal hedging. Plant 40cm apart in a single row for a variegated hedge about 1m high.

Accent planting. Use it as a bright accent in tropical style beds, or to light up a shaded corner near a path or entry.

Cottage gardens, borders and pots. The foliage works as a backdrop to seasonal flowers, and it holds its colour in a tub.

Growing Purple Gem Barleria in Australia

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

Soil. Most garden soils suit it. Good drainage and a layer of mulch keep the roots comfortable.

Water and feed. Water regularly for the first 8 to 12 weeks until established. After that, water in dry spells to keep the leaves fresh.

Pruning. It responds well to light pruning, which shapes it and improves bushiness. Clip a hedge lightly two or three times a year.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Purple Gem Barleria as tube stock and as 140mm pots in packs of 10. Tubes are young plants in an 80mm deep tube that establish quickly and keep the cost of a hedge line down, while the 140mm pots in packs of 10 start with more growth. Plant promptly after delivery and keep the water up for the first two to three months.

Tube stock is raised by our grower and is not always available. When it shows as sold out, the notify button on this page sends you an email the day plants are 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 variegated plants
• Hedging and screening plants
• Tropical plants for lush gardens
• A guide to low hedge plants

Common questions

What is bush violet?

It is the common name for Barleria obtusa. This cultivar, Purple Gem, is grown mainly for its green, white and purple leaves.

Will it grow in shade?

It copes with part shade and can brighten a dark corner. Full sun to part shade suits it best.

Is it frost hardy?

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