White Philippine Violet

White Philippine Violet (Barleria cristata 'White') is a tough, upright shrub that grows to about 1m around, carrying small pure white trumpet flowers through spring and summer. The soft green leaves and branching stems make a light, airy plant that suits cottage borders and pots. It is easy in dry soil, but it needs a frost free climate.

Why you'll love it

• Clean white trumpets. Small white flowers open through spring and summer and brighten the plants around them.
• A calm colour. White blends with any other flowers in a border, so it is hard to place badly.
• Tough in poor ground. It is a coloniser of dry, disturbed soils and roadsides, so it handles unpromising spots.
• Quick flowers. It is sold for fast flowering, which suits new gardens.
• Easy to shape. Light pruning keeps it bushy and compact.

Where it works best

Mixed and cottage borders. Plant 70cm apart for a soft, bushy drift. White flowers help calm a border full of stronger colours.

Dry, difficult spots. It copes with lean soil on banks and in new gardens where little else is established.

Pots. A big tub holds it well, and the pot can be moved indoors where frost occurs.

Growing White Philippine Violet in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun or part shade, in frost free locations only. It suits tropical and subtropical gardens and the mildest warm temperate ones. Where frost is a risk, keep it in a pot and bring it inside.

Soil. Most soils, including dry and poor ones. It grows readily on disturbed ground, so extra improvement is not required.

Water and feed. Water regularly for the first 8 to 12 weeks until established, then it manages dry spells with little help.

Pruning. Light pruning shapes it and improves bushiness. It can self seed in warm climates, so remove spent flowers if you do not want seedlings, particularly near bushland.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell White Philippine Violet as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly in warm soil. It arrives small, but it flowers early in its life. Plant it out soon after it arrives and keep it watered for the first couple of 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

• Explore more flowering plants
• Plants that handle dry spells
• Plants for pots and tubs
• Cottage garden perennials

Common questions

Does White Philippine Violet need frost protection?

It needs a frost free spot. If frost occurs, grow it in a pot and keep it under cover through winter.

Will it seed itself around?

It can in warm climates, because it is a coloniser. Remove spent flowers if you want to prevent seedlings.

How big does it grow?

Up to about 1m around, a good size for a border or large pot.