Philippine Violet
Barleria cristata
Varieties We Bring In
Last received Mar 4, 2026.
We bring this in seasonally, so what is on the lot changes week to week. A received date shows when it last came in, not that it is here today.
Call (904) 471-0440 to confirm this plant and size before you make the trip.
About Philippine Violet
Philippine violet (Barleria cristata) is a fast-growing evergreen shrub producing violet-blue to pale pink tubular flowers from late summer through winter, making it one of NE Florida's showiest cool-season bloomers. Hardy in zones 9A–11A, it is drought tolerant once established but may self-seed aggressively—deadhead or prune regularly to control spread. Starting at $6.95.
Plant details
- Bloom Season
- Summer, Fall, Winter
- Flower Color
- White, Pink, Purple
- Growth Rate
- Fast
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Soil
- Sandy, Loam, Well-drained
Best planting months
Seasonal care
Good planting window.
Active growing season.
Bloom season. Ideal planting window.
Bloom season. Retains foliage through winter.
Care essentials
Plant in full sun to partial shade; in NE Florida, full sun promotes the heaviest flowering while partial shade is tolerated. Cut back to the ground each spring to maintain a tidy, bushy form.
Once established, Philippine violet is drought tolerant and needs only moderate, even moisture. Water deeply during dry spells; avoid waterlogged soils. Established plants require minimal irrigation after the first growing season.
Thrives in well-drained sandy or loamy soils—well-suited to NE Florida's native sandy soils. Apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer in spring after cutting back; additional feeding promotes heavier bloom.
Similar needs
Chinese Snowball
Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, moderate water, sandy, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
Cleyera
Shares 5 of the same needs: shade, moderate water, sandy, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
Coastal Rosemary
Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, moderate water, sandy, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
Elderberry
Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, moderate water, sandy, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
Flowering Maple
Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, moderate water, sandy, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
Marlberry
Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, moderate water, sandy, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
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Common questions
Is Philippine Violet a good plant for St. Augustine?
Philippine Violet is a shrub for Zone 9b coastal Florida gardens, reaching 4-6 feet × 3-4 feet.
Care information verified from
Last reviewed February 2026. Our care guidance comes from trusted horticulture sources and decades of helping St. Augustine gardeners. Conditions here can vary dramatically from one area to the next, so come ask us and we'll tailor it to your yard.