Peristrophe - Marble Leaf
(Peri'strophe)
DESCRIPTION: These frost-tender perennials are natives to India. They can grow 2 feet or more in height with a spread of 4 feet. P. Hyssopifolia 'Aureovariegata' (Marble Leaf) is a bushy plant with evergreen, lance shaped, pointed leaves that are dark green with a central creamy yellow splotch. In the winter, clusters of small, 2-lipped, long-tubed, rose pink flowers are borne. P. speciosa has smooth green stems covered with ovate leaves, 2 inches long. Small clusters of violet-purple flowers are produced in the winter.
POTTING: These plants need a minimum temperature of 60 degrees. In cool regions they may be grown in the home or greenhouse. They should be planted in well-drained containers filled with two parts of loam and equal parts of well-decayed manure and leaf mold or peat moss, with an addition of sand. They should be set in sun or partial shade. Water amply while they are growing actively, less in the winter. To encourage bushy growth, pinch the tips of the main shoots and the following side shoots.
PROPAGATION: Stem cuttings may be taken in the spring or summer. Shoots, 3 inches long, are removed and the lower half of the leaves are removed. Cut just below the bottom joint and insert the cuttings in a bed of sand and vermiculite in a propagating case. Keep the case closed to maintain a moist atmosphere and thus prevent the leaves from wilting. To prevent decay of the shoots, however, the case should be opened in the morning just long enough to wipe the excessive moisture from the underside of the glass. Once roots have formed, more and more air is admitted each day and at the end of the week, full exposure should be given for a few days before replanting in 3-inch pots. When they are well rooted in these, transplant to 5-inch pots and later, to the 7- or 8-inch pots in which they will bloom. When they are established in the larger pots, weekly applications of dilute liquid fertilizer may be given.
VARIETIES: P. speciosa; P. hyssopifolia & var. Aureovariegata.
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