This gorgeous indigenous gem showcased in our biodiversity calendar for May, the Bush Violet Barleria obtusa or Bosviooltjie or Idololenkonyane is a fast-growing, relatively low bush that makes a wonderful ground cover for coastal gardens, occurring naturally in the summer rainfall region of South Africa and up to Mozambique along forest margins.

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There are about 60 species of Barleria in South Africa, however due to new species like Barleria greenii from KwaZulu-Natal still being discovered, we don’t actually know the correct numbers.

It will grow in full sun or under a light canopy and happily flourish in well-drained and composted soil, thrives with watering but is relatively drought resistant.  Full of tiny violet-coloured flowers which can sprawl over edges of pots and borders and are easy to prune back after flowering.

The pretty petite flowers produce nectar that is attractive to butterflies and other insects that then attract a variety of insect-eating birds including bush shrikes, orioles and bulbuls.

Great for small rocky gardens, these plants are best show-cased when planted in between grasses and other perennials. Around April to May it produces masses of flowers that are followed by seed capsules that explode after becoming hard and woody, thereby spreading their seeds.

A beautiful, easy to grow and maintain plant that requires little maintenance is a perfect gift for Mom this Sunday – or any day.

Find it in The Green Net calendar which are now on sale for R50 at your local nursery.

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