Chinese violet Plant Care

Chinese violet (Asystasia atroviridis) belongs to the Acanthaceae family within the Asystasia genus. Chinese violet is native to Southeast Asia. Chinese violet is also known as creeping foxglove, violet bush.

Chinese violet displays a low spreading groundcover growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Chinese violet produces small tubular flowers in shades of purple, white, or pink.

Water a young or newly planted Chinese violet every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Chinese violet thrives in partial to full shade. Avoid placing Chinese violet in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Asystasia atroviridis tolerates temperatures of 65–85°F. Chinese violet prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining, fertile soil with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Chinese violet to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Chinese violet every 2 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with partial to full shade and well-draining, fertile soil with added organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Chinese violet can spread to about 2 ft (0.6 m) and reach about 3 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.6 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Chinese violet while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Water deeply in late autumn before the ground freezes, and spread a 5–8 cm (2–3 in) layer of mulch over the root zone, keeping it away from the trunk.

Young and container-grown shrubs need extra protection: roots in a pot freeze much more easily than roots in the ground.

Chinese violet can be propagated through stem cuttings, division. Similar propagation techniques also apply to asystasia alba plant care, which shares the same genus.

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Chinese violet is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, whiteflies. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.