Acanthaceae
Barleria marginata
Purple Bush Barleria
Not currently in the nursery
We can propagate most native species on request — get in touch to discuss timeline and quantity.
About
This beautiful shrub is admired for its striking spikes of rich purple-blue flowers that bloom profusely. It features attractive, often dark green leaves, sometimes with a purplish tint, providing a lovely contrast to the vibrant blooms.
Where it works in Kilifi
Ideal for Kilifi gardens, this species flourishes in full sun to partial shade and adapts well to most well-drained soils. Plant it as a vibrant border shrub, a colourful informal hedge, or a standout specimen plant, allowing around 1-1.5 metres for mature spread.
Growing notes
It exhibits a moderate growth rate and, once established, is quite drought-tolerant, requiring minimal supplementary watering. This hardy shrub is generally low-maintenance, thriving with occasional pruning to maintain shape and encourage new blooms.
Sources
Drafted from: Gemini 2.5 Flash. Please verify with local knowledge before relying on these notes.