This is one of my very favorite plants, yet I've never seen it sold in
the local nurseries. I did see it once at the Del Mar "Exposition" (fair) maybe 20yrs ago,
but not in anyone's garden......it would be hard to miss anywhere when it's blooming.
Annie's sells it, but would call your local nursery first. The seed may be sold, too.
If anyone wants seed, please treemail me.
BTW, I searched here for Hypoestes arista and Ribbon Bush, but did not find any
threads that were specifically about it. But I see
wcgypsy posted a pic of it in the
Plant Data Base. So will I, and will add info as well.
There are many members of
Hypoestes genus, but
H.aristata is
originally from South Africa.
I found it totally by accident growing against side of
Judy Wigand's home when it was
Judy's Perennials in Fall of ~1985. I don't remember if we just happened by, or had
gone there specifically for plants, but the H.aristata (aka Ribbon Bush), was glowing lavender
against the side of her home in the afternoon sun, when most other plants were going dormant.
I asked if she had one I could purchase, but she said they weren't ready for sale.
However, thankfully, she relented & let me buy one though it was not as mature as she would have liked.
Thank you, Judy! 
As it turns out, you can literally yank one out by the roots, put some water on the roots, throw it in a bucket
till you have time to plant it, and it will do just fine.
This plant is just wonderful in so many ways......
1. It's not picky about soil, somewhat drought tolerant, though does best with water and good soil.
2. It doesn't get mildew, rust, etc.....very little if any problems with insects or snails.
3. It has lush green semi-glossy leaves that make great foliage, especially when mixed with other flowering plants.
4. It grows rampantly without much attention, but easy to contain if desired. 4ft tall the first year, 6-7ft the 2nd year.
5. It blooms
pro-fusely like salvia on steroids! And in the Fall!
6. Of course bees & hummers love it, too.
7. Very easy to propagate from cuttings or seed.
My only regret is it doesn't have any fragrance for me.....maybe it does for others(?)
They need support when they get >4ft as the stems are only ~1/4" - 1/2" thick. But
if not supported, they simply lay down, leaning on each other, and keep growing, no problem.
I had so many "volunteers" this year, I gave at least 50 plants to 2 local nurseries hoping to
get them to offer it for sale to the public. That's the downside of growing plants for me....
I hate to throw anything away.....even seeds and cuttings. It's a curse.
But I must, as they get too big if left e.g. next to a chair or under my pomegranate.
Anyway, just wanted to bring it to your attention as a great addition to any garden.
It's well suited for Southern California for sure, but would bet it would do well even in Minnesota if
protected during the winter.
