Coral Creeper
/
(Barleria repens)
Coral Creeper (Barleria repens)
/
Kevin Faccenda
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
Kevin Faccenda
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Kevin Faccenda | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: Kevin Faccenda | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2021-04-25T14:05:14-07:00 |
Summary
Barleria repens, commonly known as Coral Creeper, is an evergreen perennial herb native to the understory of forest margins, open woodlands, and bushveld in East Africa and Southern Africa. It typically grows to a height of 1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 meters) and a width of 2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters). The plant features sprawling stems with small, oval leaves and produces vibrant coral-pink to purple flowers that bloom in the warmer months, adding a splash of color to the garden.
Coral Creeper is valued for its low maintenance and drought tolerance once established, making it a suitable choice for xeriscaping. It is often used as a ground cover, in rock gardens, or cascading over walls due to its spreading habit. In cultivation, it prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. While it can be a vigorous grower, regular pruning can keep it in check. It is important to be aware of its potential to become invasive in tropical and subtropical regions outside its native range, and gardeners should consult local regulations before planting. It has been found to become invasive in Queensland, New South Wales, Hawaii, and Florida, spreading readily in disturbed sites.CC BY-SA 4.0
Coral Creeper is valued for its low maintenance and drought tolerance once established, making it a suitable choice for xeriscaping. It is often used as a ground cover, in rock gardens, or cascading over walls due to its spreading habit. In cultivation, it prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. While it can be a vigorous grower, regular pruning can keep it in check. It is important to be aware of its potential to become invasive in tropical and subtropical regions outside its native range, and gardeners should consult local regulations before planting. It has been found to become invasive in Queensland, New South Wales, Hawaii, and Florida, spreading readily in disturbed sites.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Herb
- Height: 1-2 feet
- Width: 2-2.5 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Pink, Red
- Flowering Season: Summer, Fall
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Drainage: Medium, Fast
Common Uses
Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Groundcover, Low Maintenance, Potted Plant
Natural Habitat
Understory of forest margins, open woodlands, and bushveld
Other Names
Common Names: Red Barleria, Creeping Barleria, Small Bush Viole
Scientific Names: Barleria repens, Barleria querimbensis, Barleria swynnertonii
GBIF Accepted Name: Barleria repens Nees