Stachytarpheta mutabilis - Giant porterweed
Family Verbebaceae
Description:
About fifty species of Stachytarpheta are native to warm climates in Asia, and North and South America. They are relatively small herbs and shrubs. Several species have showy flower spikes and are cultivated in gardens around the world. The giant porterweed is native to Central America. Stems are topped with slender spikes of deep purple or coral-pink flowers. These flowers are very attractive to butterflies and hummingbirds.
Location:
See plants on the east side of building 932 B.
Size:
Herbaceous perennial to about eight feet tall.
Care Instructions:
Light: full sun to part shade
Water: average water requirements, tolerates some drought
Soil: very adaptable
In trials, this appears to be a hardy perennial in northeast Florida. So far, it has survived winter lows in the low 20's F. Stems are killed by a hard frost but the plant resprouts in late spring.