Family: Lamiaceae
Chinese hatplant is a flowering shrub with an upright, spreading habit. Peaking in Winter, bright yellow or red blooms are present year-round. A trumpet-shaped flower sits atop a saucer-shaped calyx. Together they resemble a ‘cup and saucer’ or a ‘Chinese’ hat, hence the common name. The colored calyx persists for months.
Native to India, Chinese hatplant has been cultivated in Hawaii since the late 1800s. The recommended use is as a background plant, hedge, or specimen. The overall habit is not symmetrical; pruning will make a balanced look. The bottom often becomes open and ugly with age. Plant a smaller species in the front to hide the sparse growth. Prune heavily in the spring as the plant grows woody with age. Viable seeds are not made in Hawaii, propagate by stem layering.
Plant Uses:
- Container plant
- Cut flower
- Hedge
- Ornamental
- Privacy / screening
- Windbreak
Plant Dangers:
- No dangers