Family ACANTHACEAE
Genus Hypoestes
Species aristata
SA Plant Number
Basionym Hypoestes aristata

Hypoestes aristata is a hardy, evergreen, small to medium sized, rounded shrub with grey-green leaves that have lighter veins giving them a variegated look.

It bears abundant spikes that are densely packed with 2-lipped deep purple flowers with darker purple spots in the middle of winter, from March to August, when very little else is in flower.

The flowers attract butterflies and other insects to the garden which is a boon to the insect eating birds. Prune back severely after flowering to keep in shape and promote flowering the following season.

Plant in sun or semi-shade.

Plant with Leonotis leonurus for a stunning display of contrasting orange and purple.

Wildlife garden plant: The flowers attract pollinating insects and therefore attract insectivorous birds.

Edible plant: In some areas the leaves of this plant are eaten as spinach.

Landscaping: Excellent choice for under deciduous trees, as it can take sun and shade.

KwaZulu Natal, Eastern Cape, Mpumalanga

Natural Habitat Evergreen Forest, Forest margin, Rocky grassland, Thicket  

Growth Rate: Fast Growing, Evergreen or Deciduous: Evergreen, Hardiness - Frost: Frost Hardy, Plant Type: Shrub - Small, Position: Semi-shade, Position: Sun - Afternoon, Position: Sun - Full, Position: Sun - Morning, Soil: Loamy - Compost rich Soil, Soil: Well-drained, Edible: Edible fruit, Garden Uses: Container Plant, Garden Uses: Cut Flower, Garden Uses: Hedge, Garden Uses: Long Flowering, Garden Uses: Small Gardens, Garden Uses: Winter flowering, Hardiness - Drought: Drought Hardy, Flower colour: Blue and shades of purple, Garden type: Forest Garden, Garden type: Wildlife Garden,

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