Baleria repens
Description
It usually forms a rounded to spreading bushy shrub, 0.7 m high by 1 m wide, but sometimes also climbs/leans into nearby trees and shrubs (up to 2 m!). New branches tend to root as they touch ground, so this plant can quickly increase its territory if not kept under surveillance! Evergreen, it has soft, shiny, dark green leaves. Flowers are fairly large, and are a deep purple-mauve or pink-red, appearing from late summer to autumn (February to April). The fruit is an explosive, club-shaped capsule, forming in autumn (March to May).Propagation instructions - cuttings
This plant is easily propagated from cuttings - pinch out young shoots to encourage bushiness. An even easier method is to lift rooted runners - plant into individual containers (size depends on size of roots attached) and water carefully until properly established. Don't let them dry out completely, but don't keep them saturated. When growing strongly, transfer to the garden
Sources and references
Scientific name
Baleria repens
Common name(s)
small bush violet
Features
- Attracts butterflies
- Drought-resistant
- Fast-growing
- Good potplant
- Pioneer species
- This is a bird-friendly species
- Will attract sunbirds
- Will attract the Cape Sugarbird
- Will attract the Malachite Sugarbird
- Will attract the Orange-breasted Sugarbird