Gynura aurantiaca

Common Names

Purple Passion Plant, Purple Velvet Plant, Velvet Plant, Royal Velvet, Purple Passion

Summary

Purple passion plant is an evergreen perennial native to Southeast Asia, with velvety foliage green on top and purple undersides, densely covered with short purple hairs; leaves up to 8 inches long; growth is trailing to upright, with stems 1–2 ft tall and 2–5 ft wide, commonly grown in hanging baskets or small-container pots; orange-yellow flowers appear with a strong, unpleasant odor. In cultivation, bright indirect light is preferred with avoidance of direct sun; soil should be well-draining and kept consistently moist but not waterlogged; temperatures range from 60–75°F (15–24°C) with high humidity; repot every 1–2 years and propagate by stem cuttings; fertilize during the growing season and prune to maintain fullness; commonly used in interiorscapes and hanging baskets; non-toxic to people and pets.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

1-2.5 feet

Spread

39-48 inches

Hardiness Zones

Zones 10-12

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally partial sun.

Soil Type

Moist, well-draining loamy soil

Soil Drainage

Well-drained; keep medium moist but not waterlogged.

Soil pH

5.5–7.0, Slightly acidic to neutral

Bloom Color

Orange-yellow to bright yellow

Bloom Time

Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall

Foliage Color

Green with purple undersides

Fall Foliage Color

Purple

Leaf Lifecycle

Evergreen broadleaf

Growth Rate

Fast to rapid growth; active growth in spring–summer and slower growth in fall–winter; up to about 12 cm per year (roughly 30 cm per growing season).

Seasons of Interest

Spring and Summer

Propagation Methods

Seeds and Cuttings