Dampiera purpurea
purple dampiera
Overview
Dampiera purpurea is an evergreen perennial reaching 1-3 feet (30-90 cm) tall, spreading by underground suckers to form colonies 3 feet (90 cm) or more across. Stems are erect, ribbed, and sometimes hairy, arising from a woody base. Leaves are narrow to oval, 0.8-2.4 inches (2-6 cm) long, mid-green and slightly toothed, becoming sparser toward the stem tips. Flowers are blue to purple with a yellow throat, about 0.4-0.6 inch (10-15 mm) across, fan-shaped in the manner of the family Goodeniaceae spp., and carried in loose clusters along the upper stems. The main flowering period runs from spring to early summer. The flowers are visited by native bees. Fruit is a small nut enclosed by the persistent flower base. Growth is moderate, with colonies expanding 6-12 inches (15-30 cm) per year in open conditions. The suckering habit can spread beyond the intended area in loose soils. Foliage may die back in severe frost or extended drought, regrowing from the rootstock.
Native Range
Native to eastern Australia, in New South Wales and southern Queensland. Grows in open eucalypt forest and woodland on sandy and gravelly soils, often on slopes and ridges.Suggested Uses
Planted in native and low-water gardens, rockeries, and embankment plantings, spaced 18-24 inches (45-60 cm) apart. The suckering habit suits informal and naturalised areas but may spread in formal beds. Grows in containers of at least 3 gallons (11 L) with a free-draining mix.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1' - 3'
Width/Spread1' - 3'
Reaches mature size in approximately 2 years
Bloom Information
Main flowering occurs in spring and early summer (September to December in the Southern Hemisphere). Scattered flowers may appear at other times. Individual flower clusters last 3-4 weeks; the colony display extends 6-8 weeks. Flowering is reduced in heavy shade.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Blue to purple with yellow throatFoliage Description
Mid-greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 5-8 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grows in full sun to part shade in well-drained sandy or gravelly soils. Plants need moderate water until established, after which they tolerate dry periods of several weeks. Waterlogged soils cause root rot. The suckering habit forms spreading colonies, which a buried root barrier can contain in small beds. Low-phosphorus fertiliser suits members of the family, which are damaged by high phosphorus. Periodic trimming keeps growth dense.Pruning
Light trimming after flowering maintains density and removes spent flower stems. Stems cut back to the woody base reshoot from the rootstock. Unwanted suckers can be removed at the soil surface to limit spread.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
summer
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 3 gallons