Family: Verbenaceae
Common Name: Purple Wreath

Native to Mexico and the West Indies, and extending into South America, this genus consists of tropical, evergreen or deciduous shrubs, trees and woody climbers. They have starry, purple or violet flowers and simple, opposite leaves. Outside the tropics or subtropics, these plants are grown in an intermediate to warm greenhouse or conservatory.

Species

P. arborea is a vine-like tree or shrub, to 8 m (26 ft) high, with trails of violet flowers, growing to 15 cm (6 in) long.

P. racemosa is either a shrub or a twining shrub which grows to 4 m (13 ft). The deep purple, blue or lilac flowers are borne in 30 cm (12 in) long trails in summer.

P. volubilis, purple wreath or Queen's wreath, grows to 10 m (33 ft) or more high in ideal conditions. It is one of the loveliest of all climbing plants. In summer, it is covered with a mass of purple and lilac flowers. Cultivar 'Albiflora' has white flowers.

Cultivation

When growing in the greenhouse, pot into soil-based potting compost. Ensure maximum light but shade from direct, strong sun. Climbing species will need supports for their stems. Prune in late winter to keep plant in allotted place. Outdoors grow in a sunny spot with rich, moist yet well-drained soil. Propagate by layering in spring, or from semi-ripe cuttings during summer, in a heated propagating case.

Climate

Warmest parts of zone 10 to tropical.