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Hardiness: USDA Zone 9a: to -6.6 °C (20 °F) USDA Zone 9b: to -3.8 °C (25 °F) USDA Zone 10a: to -1.1 °C (30 °F) USDA Zone 10b: to 1.7 °C (35 °F) USDA Zone 11: above 4.5 °C (40 °F)
Sun Exposure: Full Sun Sun to Partial Shade
Danger: All parts of plant are poisonous if ingested Handling plant may cause skin irritation or allergic reaction
Bloom Color: Blue-Violet
Bloom Time: Blooms repeatedly
Foliage: Evergreen
Other details: Requires consistently moist soil; do not let dry out between waterings
On Jun 29, 2008, straea from Somerville, MA wrote:
I've had this growing in a pot in partial shade in my cold-winter climate for 1 1/2 months. It's in full bloom already, though it started out from a very small pot. I have yet to try overwintering it inside, so I don't know how it will do then, but so far it's been blooming earlier and more prolifically than most tropical plants do here.
On May 8, 2006, hawkarica from Odessa, FL (Zone 9b) wrote:
I live in the Tampa area and this plant is wonderful, It is a quick grower to about five feet in two years. I have nine of these plants and have seen no sticky leaves or thorns. They will take a light frost and bloom continuously from early spring to fall. They come is several different colors from light purple to deep red. One of them did get a few mealybugs but a quick spray and they haven't returned.
On Jan 3, 2006, isom from Mission BC
(Canada) (Zone 8b) wrote:
I have to say I'm neutral about this shrub. I think it has it's good points & bad ones. The leaves are sticky - sort of like petunia - which I don't like, & as it gets bigger, there are sharp thorn-like projections from thicker branches. Still, I continue to grow it because it's an unusual plant & grows in my zone 7b-8a area. I have had it for 7 years now. It's against the west side of my house for added protection. Mine even set seed & ripened last year, but I'm not sure how viable the seeds are until I test them.
An unusual surprise cold snap in April appeared to kill it, but it came back from the ground level. It would look nice espaliered against the wall which I plan to do now as the growth can get quite rank.
I had hoped the blooms would be larger & more of them but perhaps it's to do with limited sun as the other house shades it too early in the day. I might move it for that reason. But I'm still happy with it & pleased that I'm growing a shrub that's not supposed to grow in my zone. I know there are other varieties of Iochroma that have larger & more attractive flowers & if anyone can find those, I'd highly recommend them.
Regional...
This plant has been said to grow in the following regions:
Phoenix, Arizona Alameda, California Berkeley, California Cambria, California San Leandro, California Fort Lauderdale, Florida Hollywood, Florida Odessa, Florida Saint Petersburg, Florida New Orleans, Louisiana Somerville, Massachusetts Allen, Texas Houston, Texas Millsap, Texas Sabine Pass, Texas
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