Blue Porterweed (Stachytarpheta jamaicensis)
Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Stachytarpheta jamaicensis, also known as Blue Porterweed. This captivating perennial is renowned for its vivid blue to violet flowers that gracefully adorn its sprawling stems. Native to the warm climates of the Caribbean and Florida, Blue Porterweed thrives in sunny gardens where it adds a continuous splash of color from its profuse blooms. With its ability to grow up to 2–3 feet in both height and spread, it is an excellent choice for gardeners looking to fill their landscapes with dense, flowering foliage.
Blue Porterweed’s low maintenance and drought-resistant nature make it a favored choice for sustainable gardening. It effortlessly attracts a variety of pollinators, enhancing the biodiversity of your garden while maintaining a lush and vibrant appearance throughout the year. Explore the growth habits, ideal conditions, and landscaping potential of Stachytarpheta jamaicensis on this page, and learn how this robust and ornamental plant can transform your garden into a lively, flourishing haven.
Any reference to medicinal or culinary use of plants or plant parts should in no way be considered an endorsement by The Ocala Food Forest or its staff. Research is crucial in safe and proper consumption or experimentational use of any plant.
Plant Information
| Scientific Name: | Stachytarpheta jamaicensis |
|---|---|
| Family Name: | Verbenaceae |
| Common Name(s): | Blue Porterweed, Jamaica Vervain, Blue Snake Weed |
| Size: | 2–3 feet tall and wide |
| Plant Type: | Herbaceous perennial |
| Origin/Geographic Distribution: | Native to the Caribbean and parts of Florida |
| Native to: | Caribbean, Florida |
| Native range in the USA: | Florida and other tropical and subtropical areas |
| Conservation Status: | Not threatened |
Cultivation
| Planting: | Spring, after the last frost |
|---|---|
| Sun Exposure: | Full sun to minimal shade |
| Soil Type: | Well-drained, fertile |
| Soil pH: | 6.1 to 7.5 (acidic to neutral) |
| Water Requirements: | Medium; drought-tolerant once established but prefers consistent moisture |
| Fertilizer Requirements: | Light; a balanced fertilizer every few months during the growing season |
| Pruning Requirements: | Prune regularly to encourage bushier growth and more flowering |
| Growth Rate: | Fast; can quickly fill in the space in a garden |
| Companion Planting: | Complements other butterfly-attracting plants like Lantana, Milkweed, and Salvia |
Tolerance and Hardiness
| Drought Tolerance: | High; once established it requires little water |
|---|---|
| Frost Tolerance: | Low; does not tolerate frost well (below 32°F / 0°C) |
| Heat Tolerance: | Very high; thrives in hot climates (up to 95°F / 35°C) |
| Wind Tolerance: | Medium; can withstand moderate winds but may require some protection from strong winds |
| Salt Tolerance: | Moderate; can handle some salt spray, making it suitable for coastal gardens |
| USDA Plant Hardiness Zones: | 8–11 |
Flower and Fruit Information
| Fruit Type: | Insignificant; small nutlets |
|---|---|
| Harvest Time: | N/A |
| Fruit Description: | N/A |
| Edible Plant: | No |
| Edible Parts: | Only leaves, when properly prepared. More information below in Health and Safety. |
| Medicinal: | Not recommended due to potential toxicity. More information below in Health and Safety. |
| Flower Color: | Vivid blue to violet |
| Flower Shape: | Small, tubular |
| Fragrance: | Mildly fragrant |
| Flower Bloom Time: | Throughout the year, peaking in summer |
| Bloom Duration: | Continuous when conditions are favorable |
| Pollination: Self or Other? | Pollinates as a grouping |
Wildlife
| Attracts: | Bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds |
|---|---|
| Pollinators: | Bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds are key pollinators |
| Problematic Pest: | Sometimes affected by aphids and spider mites |
Health and Safety
| Edible Plant: | Yes, the leaves are used to make herbal teas known for their medicinal properties. |
|---|---|
| Edible Parts: | Leaves, when properly prepared. |
| Medicinal: | Traditionally used to treat hypertension and inflammation; often brewed as a tea. |
| Toxic: | The plant can be toxic if not properly prepared. Always consult with a healthcare provider before using for medicinal purposes. |
| Poisonous Parts of Plant: | Raw plant parts are considered toxic and should not be consumed without proper preparation. |
| Toxic to Humans: | Potentially toxic if ingested raw or improperly prepared. |
| Toxic to Animals: | Potentially toxic to animals, especially if consumed in large quantities or if the plant is not properly prepared. |
Companion Planting
Companion planting with Stachytarpheta jamaicensis (Blue Porterweed) can enhance the beauty and ecological balance of your garden. Here are some ideal companion plants that are both Florida Native and Florida Friendly. These plants share similar environmental preferences and complement the attractive features of Blue Porterweed:
Florida Native: Butterfly Milkweed (Asclepias tuberosa)
Zone Range: 3–9
Benefits: Magnet for monarch butterflies and other pollinators; pairs well with Porterweed in full sun and well-drained soils.
Use: Excellent for creating a vibrant butterfly garden.
Florida Native: Firebush (Hamelia patens)
Zone Range: 8b–11
Benefits: Red-orange flowers contrast beautifully with blue blooms; beloved by hummingbirds and butterflies.
Use: Background planting or mixed borders.
Florida Native: Cocoplum (Chrysobalanus icaco)
Zone Range: 10–11
Benefits: Structural foliage and edible fruit; salt tolerance helps in coastal conditions.
Use: Hedges or edible landscape structure.
Florida Friendly: Lantana (Lantana camara)
Zone Range: 8–11
Benefits: High-contrast blooms; excellent pollinator support alongside Porterweed.
Use: Borders or sunny ground cover.
Florida Friendly: Pentas (Pentas lanceolata)
Zone Range: 9–11
Benefits: Attracts butterflies and hummingbirds; thrives under similar sun/moisture conditions.
Use: Mixed beds for continuous blooming.
Florida Friendly: Salvia (Salvia spp.)
Zone Range: Varies by species
Benefits: Long bloom window and varied colors; extends seasonal interest with Porterweed.
Use: Adds height and color diversity in full-sun plantings.