A large, arching tropical shrub with hanging clusters of purple flowers edged in white, followed by golden berries. It brings a soft, lush look and warm-season color to gardens that can give it regular water.
Living with it in the Phoenix Valley
Watering
Follow the shrub schedule in our Landscape Care guide. This is not a desert plant, and it needs consistent water through the summer to look full and keep blooming.
Pruning
Flowers form on new growth, so prune in late winter after frost danger has passed. Light heading back keeps its graceful, arching shape. Heavy shearing into balls or boxes ruins the form and cuts down on flowers.
Cold
Shoots are often damaged by freezes, especially in colder, low-lying parts of the Valley. Leave damaged growth in place until spring, then trim back to healthy wood.
Heat and sun
It does best with some protection from the hottest afternoon sun, or with surrounding plants to soften reflected heat.
How our designers use it
Lush backgrounds
Its size and loose, arching habit soften tall walls and fill the back of planting beds in tropical-style gardens.
Warm-season color
The long purple bloom pairs well with gold, orange and lime-green foliage and flowers.
Shaded courtyards
It holds up in morning sun and afternoon shade, where many desert shrubs would sulk.
Good to know
Berries
The golden berries are poisonous to people if eaten. We avoid it next to play areas and where young children spend time.
Around the pool
Spent flowers and some leaves drop through the warm season, so keep it a few feet back from the water. Some plants have small spines along the stems.
