Ocimum basilicum var. purpurascens 'Purple Ruffles'
purple basil 'Purple Ruffles'
An aromatic annual or biennial with deep purple, fringed and frilly, deeply-textured leaves and small, tubular white or pink-tinged flowers, 1cm in length, in spikes in late summer
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
1–2 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Black Purple | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Pink White | Black Purple | ||
| Autumn | Black Purple | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H1CBotanical details
- Family
- Lamiaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy
- Genus
Ocimum can be aromatic annuals, evergreen perennials or shrubs with opposite, linear to broadly-ovate leaves and small tubular white or pinkish flowers in whorls forming a spike
- Name status
Accepted
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow as an annual, indoors, in moist but well drained soil in a sheltered position in full sun. Can move outdoors in summer. Best grown in a container. See basil cultivation for more information
Propagation
Propagate by seed in gentle heat in spring under glass or indoors, or sow in-situ in summer. See sowing seeds indoors for further advice
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Mediterranean climate plants
- Patio and container plants
- Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning
Pinch out flowerheads as they appear to ensure continued leaf growth. Cut back after flowering
Pests
Diseases
May be susceptible to powdery mildews
Ocimum basilicum var. purpurascens 'Purple Ruffles'
purple basil 'Purple Ruffles'
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