Purple Dampiera

Dampiera purpurea is an erect multi-stemmed plant to 1 m (3.3 ft) high with obovate to elliptic leaves which are 0.9 to 6 cm (0.35 to 2.36 in) long and 0.5 to 4.2 cm (0.20 to 1.65 in) wide. The stems and undersides of leaves are covered in fine hair and rough in texture, while the leaves are bare of hair when mature. The flowers are mainly produced between August and January in the species' native range. Three to five flowers arise each on groups of two to nine flower-bearing branches. Reaching 2.5 cm (1 in) in diameter, they are generally blue-purple in colour with yellow centres, though pink and white flowers have been recorded.

Dampiera purpurea occurs in sclerophyll forest and heath in Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland. In the Sydney region, it is found under such trees as smooth-barked apple (Angophora costata), yellow bloodwood (Corymbia eximia), red bloodwood (C. gummifera), blackbutt (Eucalyptus pilularis), monkey gum (E. cypellocarpa), silvertop ash (E. sieberi), Sydney peppermint (E. piperita), predominantly on sandstone-based soils but sometimes also clay soils, and generally in places with good drainage. the annual rainfall is 800 to 1600 mm.

Dampiera purpurea is killed by bushfire, with new shoots arising from ground level. These can then flower in ten months, peaking around two to three years after a fire. It also regenerates by seed from fire. Butterflies of the families Lycaenidae and Hesperiidae and European honeybees forage at the flowers, and are likely pollinators.

Dampiera purpurea can be grown in cool to subtropical climates. It is a variable species, reflected by the many forms in cultivation. Preferring a lightly shaded position, it also adapts to full sun and has some frost tolerance. It is adaptable to most reasonably drained soils but is more vigorous in heavier soils. Best results are obtained through a steady supply of moisture in spring and summer, though it will withstand dry periods once established. A light pruning after flowering keeps plants in shape. Plants can be propagated by cuttings or division.

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