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How to Grow Nolana 'Purple Robe'

Nolana 'Purple Robe'

Nolana paradoxa 'Purple Robe'

flower

Nolana 'Purple Robe' is a tender annual flower known for its striking deep purple-violet blooms with distinctive white or pale centers. This trailing plant produces abundant funnel-shaped flowers and grows in a prostrate, spreading habit, making it excellent for hanging baskets, containers, and ground covers. It's a sun-loving plant that thrives in warm climates and provides continuous color throughout the growing season.

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Example Nolana 'Purple Robe' timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

  1. Plant Nolana 'Purple Robe'

    Around Apr 17

    Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.

  2. Tend & protect

    Late spring–summer

    Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.

  3. First Nolana 'Purple Robe' blooms

    Around Jun 6

    ≈ 50 days after planting

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Nolana 'Purple Robe' dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily (tolerates partial shade in very hot climates)
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Water: Moderate watering; keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Reduce watering once established. Drought-tolerant once mature.
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Spacing: 12-18 inches
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Days to maturity: 50-70 days to first bloom
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Planting depth: Surface sow or plant at soil level; seeds need light to germinate

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy soil with good organic matter
pH: 6.0-7.0
Amendments:
Compost peat moss perlite for drainage

Growing Zones

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Thrives in zones 10-11; grown as an annual in cooler zones (5-9)

10a 10b 11a 11b

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Growth Stages

1

Seedling

2-3 weeks

Tiny seedlings with cotyledons emerge and develop first true leaves; delicate and low-growing.

Keep soil moist but not soggy. Provide bright light. Avoid damping off by ensuring good air circulation.

2

Vegetative Growth

3-4 weeks

Plant develops multiple stems and spreads outward; foliage expands with small narrow leaves arranged alternately.

Maintain consistent moisture and bright light. Pinch tips if desired to encourage bushier growth, though 'Purple Robe' naturally branches well.

3

Bud Formation

1-2 weeks

Purple-tinged buds appear at stem tips; plant begins its cascading habit.

Continue regular watering and full sun exposure. Begin light fertilizing every 2 weeks with balanced fertilizer.

4

Flowering

8-12 weeks or until frost

Abundant deep purple funnel flowers with white or pale centers open; profuse blooming occurs throughout season.

Maintain consistent moisture and bright light. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming. Feed every 2 weeks.

5

Senescence

Until frost

Flowering slows as temperatures cool or plant exhausts energy; foliage may yellow.

Annual plant; allow to decline naturally or remove and replace in autumn/early winter.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Petunias Calibrachoa Diascia Sutera Ipomoea Bacopa Verbena

Avoid planting near:

Tall shade-casting plants Deep-rooted shrubs that compete for water

Common Pests

  • Spray with water to dislodge; use insecticidal soap or neem oil if infestation is severe.

  • Increase humidity; spray with water or use miticide if population is high.

  • Use yellow sticky traps; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil.

  • Remove with cotton swabs dipped in alcohol; treat with insecticidal soap if widespread.

Uses

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Edible Flowers

Culinary

Nolana flowers are edible and can be used to garnish salads and desserts for visual appeal and a slightly sweet taste. They add elegant color to culinary presentations. [source]

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Container & Hanging Basket Gardening

Household

The trailing, prostrate habit makes 'Purple Robe' ideal for hanging baskets, window boxes, and container gardens. It creates dramatic cascades of purple blooms in mixed plantings. [source]

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Pollinator Support

Wildlife

The abundant flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators throughout the growing season, supporting local pollinator populations. [source]

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Cut Flowers & Floral Arrangements

Craft

Individual stems with multiple flowers can be cut for small posies or added to fresh flower arrangements for their vibrant purple color. [source]

Harvest Tips

Nolana 'Purple Robe' is grown for ornamental flowers rather than harvest. Deadhead spent blooms regularly by pinching or cutting below the flower to encourage continuous flowering throughout the season. Flowers typically bloom for 1-2 days each.

Fun Facts

  • 🌱 Nolana is native to the Andes and deserts of Peru and Chile, where it grows in arid, sandy soils—explaining its drought tolerance.
  • 🌱 The genus name 'Nolana' comes from the Latin 'nola' meaning 'small bell,' referencing the funnel or bell-shaped flowers.
  • 🌱 Despite thriving in hot, dry climates, Nolana flowers often close during the hottest part of the day and reopen in cooler temperatures—a trait called nyctinasty.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Annual Damping Off Deadhead Full Sun Partial Shade True Leaves
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