Dwarf Red Porterweed
Stachytarpheta microphylla
Dwarf Red Porterweed
Stachytarpheta microphylla
Stachytarpheta microphylla, better known as Dwarf Red Porterweed or Compact Red Porterweed, is a small but striking perennial plant. This broadleaf evergreen grows into a neat, compact shrub about 18–24 inches tall and wide, with small green leaves and slim flower spikes that rise above the foliage. From spring right through to late fall, the plant produces tiny, bright red, five-lobed flowers that open one after another along the spikes, giving a constant supply of nectar. These blooms are especially attractive to butterflies and hummingbirds, making the plant a reliable favourite in pollinator gardens.
Dwarf Red Porterweed thrives in hot conditions and is very forgiving once established. It grows best in full sun to bright shade and prefers well-drained soil, but it does not need much water. In fact, it becomes quite drought-tolerant, making it a great choice for dry or coastal landscapes. In tropical and subtropical areas, it behaves as a hardy perennial.
It is also a smaller, more manageable version of the common blue porterweed species.
Stachytarpheta microphylla
Stachytarpheta microphylla, better known as Dwarf Red Porterweed or Compact Red Porterweed, is a small but striking perennial plant. This broadleaf evergreen grows into a neat, compact shrub about 18–24 inches tall and wide, with small green leaves and slim flower spikes that rise above the foliage. From spring right through to late fall, the plant produces tiny, bright red, five-lobed flowers that open one after another along the spikes, giving a constant supply of nectar. These blooms are especially attractive to butterflies and hummingbirds, making the plant a reliable favourite in pollinator gardens.
Dwarf Red Porterweed thrives in hot conditions and is very forgiving once established. It grows best in full sun to bright shade and prefers well-drained soil, but it does not need much water. In fact, it becomes quite drought-tolerant, making it a great choice for dry or coastal landscapes. In tropical and subtropical areas, it behaves as a hardy perennial.
It is also a smaller, more manageable version of the common blue porterweed species.
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