One of the most amazing flowering shrubs in the world, the Purple Torch of the Clouds, also known as Bartlettina sordida, is native to the misty cloud forests of Mexico.
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| Planted in the Cortijo Azahar Garden in February |
Bartlettina sordida is a fast-growing perennial species in the Aster family, Asteraceae, with an upright habit and woody branches.
The leaves are a beautiful, velvety green, large & tropical looking, with dark violet veining.
In Spring, the flower stalks rise above foliage. The very upright stalks & stems are deep maroon/purple.
The fuzzy look of the clusters is due to the thread-like stamens on each flower.
The blooms have a nice fragrance, smelling somewhat like lilacs.
Bartlettina thrives and grows fast in bright shade & moist, rich soil.
