Mysore Barleria Plant Care

Mysore Barleria (Barleria mysorensis) belongs to the Acanthaceae family within the Barleria genus. Mysore Barleria is native to southern India and Sri Lanka.

Mysore Barleria displays an upright, spreading shrub growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 4 ft. Mysore Barleria produces tubular flowers in shades of purple, pink, or white.

Leaf size: approximately 5 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Mysore Barleria 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.

Mysore Barleria thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Barleria mysorensis tolerates temperatures of 60–85°F. Mysore Barleria prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Mysore Barleria to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Mysore Barleria every 6 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 full sun to partial shade and well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter for moisture retention. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Mysore Barleria is suited to USDA Zone 10a – 12b.

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.

Mysore Barleria can spread to about 4 ft (1.2 m) and reach about 3 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 4 ft (1.2 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 Mysore Barleria 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.

Mysore Barleria is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 10). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Mysore Barleria can be propagated through seeds, softwood cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to bush violet plant care, which shares the same genus.

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Mysore Barleria is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, scale insects. 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.

Mysore Barleria grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10a – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10a. Mysore Barleria is native to southern India and Sri Lanka. In cooler regions, grow Mysore Barleria as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.