Cyanotis somaliensis
pussy ears
A spreading evergreen perennial to 12cm, with lance-shaped to oblong, olive-green leaves 4cm in length, with prominent white hairs on the margins. Small clusters of purple flowers 5mm across, sparsely borne in summer
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Size
Ultimate height
Up to 10cmTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Purple | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
West–facing or East–facing or South–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H1BBotanical details
- Family
- Commelinaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Trailing
- Genus
Cyanotis are slightly succulent, evergreen perennials with trailing stems bearing hairy, lance-shaped to ovate leaves, and clusters of 3-petalled, purple or blue flowers in summer
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- N Somalia
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow under glass in a peat-free, loam-based potting compost in full light with shade from the midday sun. Provide low humidity and water moderately at all times. Apply a dilute low nitrogen feed during the growing season, overfeeding with cause atypical growth
Propagation
Propagate by seed or stem cuttings
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Patio and container plants
- Low Maintenance
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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