Purple Velvet Plant (Gynura aurantiaca): Velvety Purple Leaves with Orange Flowers

Purple velvet plant (Gynura aurantiaca), also called velvet plant or royal velvet plant, is a trailing or upright perennial with stems and leaves covered in dense, purple hairs that give a velvety, iridescent sheen. It produces small, orange, thistle-like flowers (often removed to maintain foliage quality).

Habit

Grows 1–2 feet tall, trailing to 3–4 feet. The purple color is most intense in bright light. It is a striking accent in mixed containers and hanging baskets.

Culture

Bright, indirect light; moist, well-drained soil. Water when surface dries. Pinch to encourage bushiness. Remove flowers to prevent legginess. Tender perennial (zones 10–11); usually grown as annual or houseplant.

Taxonomy

• Family: Asteraceae
• Genus: Gynura
• Species: aurantiaca
• Synonym: Cacalia aurantiaca