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GIBASIS geniculata

Image of Gibasis geniculata

Megan Bame

Family

Commelinaceae

Botanical Name

GIBASIS geniculata

Plant Common Name

Tahitian Bridalveil

General Description

Forming a cascading veil of purplish-green foliage and petite white flowers, this trailing herbaceous perennial from tropical America is perfect for containers and hanging baskets.

The fuzzy, lance-shaped leaves of this tender perennial are paired along lax, wiry, purple-tinged stems that root at the leaf nodes. The leaves usually have maroon undersides. Clusters of small, white, three-petaled flowers are held above the foliage on long stems, creating a wispy, veil-like effect. Flowering continues as long as conditions remain warm and moist.

Grow Tahitian bridalveil in bright shade and high humidity in a frost-free site. In tropical gardens it spreads rapidly to form a fine-textured groundcover. In colder climates it makes an ideal container plant for planters and hanging baskets. Place its container on a pebble- and water-filled tray to increase ambient humidity.

Characteristics

  • AHS Heat Zone

    12 - 1

  • USDA Hardiness Zone

    10 - 15

  • Sunset Zone

    H1, H2, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24

  • Plant Type

    Tender Perennial

  • Sun Exposure

    Partial Shade, Full Shade

  • Height

    8"-16" / 20.3cm - 40.6cm

  • Width

    2'-6' / 0.6m - 1.8m

  • Bloom Time

    Indeterminate

  • Native To

    Mexico, Caribbean, Central America, South America

Growing Conditions

  • Soil pH

    Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline

  • Soil Drainage

    Average

  • Soil type

    Loam, Sand

  • Growth Rate

    Fast

  • Water Requirements

    Average Water

  • Habit

    Prostrate/Trailing

  • Seasonal Interest

    Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Ornamental Features

  • Flower Interest

    Showy

  • Flower Color

    White

  • Foliage Color (Spring)

    Green, Purple

  • Foliage Color (Summer)

    Purple, Burgundy

  • Foliage Color (Fall)

    Green, Purple, Burgundy

  • Foliage Color (Winter)

    Green, Purple, Burgundy

  • Fragrant Flowers

    No

  • Fragrant Fruit

    No

  • Fragrant Foliage

    No

  • Bark or Stem Fragrant

    No

  • Flower Petal Number

    Single

  • Repeat Bloomer

    Yes

  • Showy Fruit

    No

  • Edible Fruit

    No

  • Showy Foliage

    Yes

  • Foliage Texture

    Fine

  • Foliage Sheen

    Matte

  • Evergreen

    Yes

  • Showy Bark

    No

Special Characteristics

  • Usage

    Container, Groundcover, Hanging Basket, Houseplant, Tropical

  • Sharp or Has Thorns

    No

  • Invasive

    No

  • Attracts

    Butterflies

  • Self-Sowing

    No