Family
Acanthaceae
Botanical Name
HEMIGRAPHIS exotica
Plant Common Name
Purple Waffle Plant
General Description
Purple waffle plant is a compact, prostrate, evergreen tropical perennial with small, dark green and burgundy leaves and tiny white flowers. The oval leaves are crinkled with curled edges and look rough and rigid but feel soft to the touch. They are dark green with purple tones above and burgundy red color underneath. In the warm months, small, white, flowers are produced in spikes at the ends of the stems and contrast nicely against the dark foliage.
Grow purple waffle plant in warm, tropical areas and sites with partial sun to partial shade and moist, fertile, well-drained soil. Brighter sunlight can be tolerated if the soil is moist. Low light conditions cause the leaf color to fade. In colder climates, this is a great houseplant or seasonal annual. Interior specimens require bright, indirect light, high humidity and evenly moist soil. Purple waffle plant is beautiful in containers and hanging basket compositions. It makes a lovely groundcover for tropical beds and fills in nicely around bromeliads.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
12 - 10
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USDA Hardiness Zone
11 - 15
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Plant Type
Tender Perennial
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Sun Exposure
Partial Sun, Partial Shade
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Height
6"-10" / 15.2cm - 25.4cm
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Width
18"-20" / 45.7cm - 50.8cm
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Bloom Time
Late Spring, Early Summer, Summer
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Native To
Hybrid Origin
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
White
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Dark Green, Burgundy
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Dark Green, Burgundy
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Dark Green, Burgundy
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Foliage Color (Winter)
Dark Green, 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
No
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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
Coarse
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Foliage Sheen
Glossy
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Evergreen
Yes
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Showy Bark
No
