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
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AHS Heat Zone
12 - 1
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USDA Hardiness Zone
10 - 15
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Sunset Zone
H1, H2, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
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Plant Type
Tender Perennial
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Sun Exposure
Partial Shade, Full Shade
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Height
8"-16" / 20.3cm - 40.6cm
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Width
2'-6' / 0.6m - 1.8m
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Bloom Time
Indeterminate
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Native To
Mexico, Caribbean, Central America, South America
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline
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Soil Drainage
Average
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Soil type
Loam, Sand
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Growth Rate
Fast
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Water Requirements
Average Water
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Habit
Prostrate/Trailing
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Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
White
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Green, Purple
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Purple, Burgundy
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Green, Purple, Burgundy
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Foliage Color (Winter)
Green, Purple, Burgundy
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Fragrant Flowers
No
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
Yes
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Showy Fruit
No
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
Yes
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Foliage Texture
Fine
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Foliage Sheen
Matte
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Evergreen
Yes
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Showy Bark
No
Special Characteristics
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Usage
Container, Groundcover, Hanging Basket, Houseplant, Tropical
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Sharp or Has Thorns
No
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Invasive
No
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Attracts
Butterflies
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Self-Sowing
No