| Purple Torch | |
| Bartlettina sordida | |
| a.k.a. Eupatorium atrorubens, Bartlettina |
One of the most amazing flowering shrubs in the world, the Purple Torch of the Clouds, also known as Bartlettina, hails from the misty cloud forests of Mexico. Its instantly recognizable flowers are a sight for the eyes and its large-leaved foliage lends a beautiful tropical look to the shrub as well.
Description: A fast-growing shrub to 8-12ft. The huge lavender-purple flowers clusters are borne in Fall and Spring. They have a mild fragrance as well. Large leaves grow to 6-12", with a velvet green color accented by prominent purple veins. The plant has a shrubby growth habit, often with multiple stems and branching.
Hardiness: Hardy to 25F, but only for brief periods of time.
Growing Environment: The plant loves a cooler subtropical or warm temperate environment. It does well in fog zones and wet areas. Provide regular water in drier zones. Grow in full or part shade. Plant in moist, well-draining soil.
Propagation: By seeds.
Uses: Planted as an exotic ornamental for its amazing flowers. Oddly this plant is still quite uncommon in cultivation, rarely offered for sale and seen only in a small collection of botanical gardens.
Native Range: Native to cloud forests of the Puebla, Morelos and Oaxaca states of Mexico.