Chinese violet
Binomial name
Asystasia gangetica
Common names
Ganges Primrose, Creeping Foxglove, Creeping Violet
Description
The Ganges Primrose is a fast-growing, sprawling ground cover that’s perfect for adding color and texture to your garden. Known for its striking, funnel-shaped purple or white flowers with darker veins, it blooms prolifically from spring to fall. Its lush, green foliage creates a dense mat, making it an excellent choice for filling in bare spots, controlling erosion, or even as a hanging basket plant. It’s both low-maintenance and hardy, thriving in a variety of conditions.
Light requirements
Asystasia gangetica thrives in full sun to partial shade. While it can tolerate some shade, the plant blooms best with at least 4–6 hours of direct sunlight each day. In shadier spots, it may still grow, but you may notice fewer flowers.
Soil preferences, including pH and drainage
This plant prefers well-draining, slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 6.0–7.0). It’s adaptable to different soil types, including sandy or loamy soil, as long as it drains well. Poorly draining soil can cause the roots to rot, so be sure to provide good drainage.
Water needs
Water the Ganges Primrose regularly to keep the soil moist, especially during the growing season. It’s somewhat drought-tolerant once established, but it will appreciate consistent moisture for the best growth and flowering. Be careful not to overwater, as it prefers soil that drains well.