Heterocentron muricatum

Heterocentron muricatum
Melastomataceae
David Feix, Berkeley
For those of us who cannot grow the showier Glory Bush, this may be a substitute. It is an arching, low growing (2.5-4 ft) bush which can take temperatures in the low 20's. The leaves will turn red in the upper 20's, finely dropping if it gets colder. The 0.75 inch flowers are a faded purple. This is a Central American plant, probably from mountain peaks.