Photo of Pseuderanthemum carruthersii var. atropurpureum 'Rubrum' foliage by Karl Gercens III

Photo by Karl Gercens III

Used with permission, all rights reserved

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Pseuderanthemum carruthersii var. atropurpureum 'Rubrum'

Also Known As

  • Eranthemum atropurpureum
  • Pseuderanthemum atropurpureum
  • Pseuderanthemum rubrum
  • Black Varnish Plant

Plant type

perennial

size

  • H: 2'-3'
  • W: 2'-3'

planting zones

  • 10a-12

More Options

Pseuderanthemum carruthersii var. atropurpureum 'Rubrum' plant details

Fantastic foliage plant with dramatic, luxurious, glossy aubergine leaves. Remaining a compact and upright 2-3 feet tall, it makes an excellent container plant, with dark foliage playing beautifully against contrasting golden and variegated foliage, or creating a deliciously dark moody palette. Tolerates part shade but leaves are darkest in full sun.

Pseuderanthemum carruthersii var. atropurpureum 'Rubrum' is a broadleaf evergreen perennial with black, bronze and chocolate foliage. In summer purple and white flowers emerge. Features glossy texture. Grows well with sun - mostly shade and regular water. Does well in rich and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Pseuderanthemum carruthersii var. atropurpureum 'Rubrum'

Plant type: perennial
Plant family: acanthaceae
Foliage: evergreen black, bronze and chocolate
Mature size: 2 FT - 3 FT - wide, 2 FT - 3 FT - tall
Flowers: purple and white blooms in summer
Uses: container plant, easy-to-grow, foliage plant, tropical-looking

GROWING CONDITIONS for Pseuderanthemum carruthersii var. atropurpureum 'Rubrum'

USDA Zones: 10a - 12
Sun exposure: sun - mostly shade
Watering frequency: regular
Resistant to: heat
Soil needs: rich and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

PSEUDERANTHEMUM RUBRUM, has large shiny almost laquered leaves the color of eggplant. Likes sun to part shade, great for containers mixed with chartreuse foliage. Thrives on sun and heat growing 2-3 feet tall. Produces small white flowers with purple spots. Dramatic
Pseuderanthemum rubrum "Black Varnish Plant" is a very dark foliage plant with oval shaped leaves that can turn almost black in color in full sun. Plants grow to 2 to 3 feet tall and are a great contrast plant in containers or in tropical landscape. Plants will put up a flower spike with small bright pink flowers. Easy to grow if zone 9 and up. Plants rooted in 3 to 4 inch pots.
Dark glossy mahogany elliptical foliage boldly accents lighter tones in containers and beds, with an upright habit of 18-30".

Gardening facts about Pseuderanthemum carruthersii var. atropurpureum 'Rubrum' plant

How to Grow Pseuderanthemum carruthersii var. atropurpureum 'Rubrum'

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun - mostly shade
  • Water Needs

    • regular
  • Soil Needs

    • well-drained
    • rich
  • Special Situation

    • heat tolerant

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • bronze
    • chocolate
    • black
  • Flower Color

    • white
    • purple
  • Texture

    • glossy
  • Foliage Season

    • evergreen
  • Flower Season

    • summer
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