Gynura aurantiaca
purple velvet plant
A species of evergreen perennial grown primarily as houseplants, with dark green leaves and stems which are both clothed in bright purple hairs, especially on the undersides. Plants can grow upwards or recline against other objects. Flower heads have yellow, orange or red discs and have a strong odour but they do not produce ray flowers. These appear mostly in winter
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Purple | Green Purple | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Purple | Green Purple | ||
| Autumn | Purple | Green Purple | ||
| Winter | Purple | Yellow Orange Red | Green Purple |
Position
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H1BBotanical details
- Family
- Asteraceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Climbing, Columnar upright, Spreading branched
- Genus
Gynura are evergreen perennials and sub-shrubs, some scrambling or trailing, with toothed leaves. The orange or yellow flowers have no ray florets
- Name status
Correct
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow indoors in a loam-based potting compost in bright, filtered light. Train up a support, or pinch out shoots to keep more compact and encourage new shoots
Propagation
Propagate by softwood cuttings in late spring, or semi-ripe cuttings in summer, both with bottom heat
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Houseplants
- Patio and container plants
- Sub-tropical
- Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning
No pruning required. Cut in spring or summer if plant becomes too large
Pests
May be susceptible to aphids and glasshouse red spider mite
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.