Description:
About fifty species of Stachytarpheta
are native to warm climates in Asia, and North
and South America. They are relatively small
herbs and shrubs. Several species have showy flower spikes and are cultivated
in gardens around the world. The giant porterweed is native to Central America. Stems are topped with slender spikes of deep
purple or coral-pink flowers. These flowers are very attractive to butterflies
and hummingbirds.
Care Instructions:
Light: full sun to part shade
Water: average water requirements, tolerates some drought
Soil: very adaptable
In trials, this appears to be a hardy perennial in northeast
Florida. So
far, it has survived winter lows in the low 20’s F. Stems are killed by a hard
frost but the plant resprouts in late spring.
