Skunk plant (Phuopsis stylosa 'Purpurea')

Overview

Phuopsis stylosa ‘Purpurea’, commonly known as the Skunk plant, is an invaluable, fast-spreading, mat-forming ground cover perfect for stabilizing difficult sites. This herbaceous perennial creates a dense carpet of bright green, aromatic foliage rarely exceeding eight inches in height. It earns its whimsical common name from the slightly musky scent some people detect in the foliage and flowers.

A key feature of this variety is its late spring to mid-summer display of tiny, tubular flowers clustered into showy, pincushion-like heads of deep purple. The cultivar ‘Purpurea’ specifically offers slightly larger and richer colored blooms, making Phuopsis stylosa ‘Purpurea’ an excellent textural choice for slopes or rock gardens where color contrast is needed.

This plant thrives with minimal intervention, showcasing its low maintenance requirements and tolerance for dry soil conditions once established. For gardeners in cooler summer regions, the Skunk plant provides reliable evergreen cover and seasonal interest.

Fast Facts

• Plant Family: Rubiaceae
• Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
• Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 5-8
• Size at Maturity:
  • Height: 0.5-0.75 ft
  • Spread: 1-2 ft
• Bloom Time: June to August
• Bloom Description: Purple
• Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
• Water Needs: Dry to medium
• Maintenance Level: Low

How to Grow

The Skunk plant establishes easily when planted in average, well-drained soils, preferring full sun to light partial shade conditions. While it performs best when initially situated in consistently moist soil, the mature Phuopsis stylosa ‘Purpurea’ demonstrates remarkable drought tolerance, making it ideal for xeriscaping or hot, dry slopes.

Watering requirements are minimal once the plant is established; allow the soil to dry between waterings, especially in summer heat. Fertilization is generally unnecessary due to its tolerance for poor soils. If rapid spread is undesirable, deadhead the spent flower clusters promptly after blooming concludes.

To maintain a tidy appearance and control reseeding, cut back the foliage after flowering finishes. Propagation is straightforward using spring divisions or summer cuttings. Gardeners should note that while highly tolerant of dryness, the Skunk plant may struggle or burn out if subjected to extreme heat and humidity commonly found in the deep South.

Landscape Uses

Phuopsis stylosa ‘Purpurea’ excels in roles demanding robust, low-growing coverage. It is perhaps best utilized in rock gardens, where its creeping habit can elegantly drape over stone edges, softening hard lines. Its dense mat formation also makes it an excellent, colorful choice for ground cover on slopes and other difficult, eroding sites.

Use this Skunk plant at the front of borders or the edges of pathways, providing a neat, low-growing anchor that frames taller plantings without overpowering them. Because it spreads vigorously, give Phuopsis room; however, its ability to tolerate poor conditions also makes it useful for naturalizing where turf grass fails to thrive. It can even perform well as a temporary annual in containers, though it will quickly colonize the pot space.

Standout Features

Flower Qualities

• Showy
• Fragrant

Noteworthy Characteristics

Phuopsis stylosa, commonly known as Caucasian crosswort, creeping crosswort or phuopsis, is a little-known, rapid-growing, mat-forming, herbaceous perennial that typically rises to only 6-8” tall but spreads to 12-24” wide. It features a dense spreading mat of aromatic, spiny-ciliate, narrow-lanceolate, pointed, bright green leaves arranged in whorls around square stems. Foliage is topped from late spring to early summer by tiny, pink, tubular flowers in showy, globular clusters, though the ‘Purpurea’ cultivar provides distinctly purple blooms. Leaves and flowers are aromatic, accounting for the common name Skunk plant.

Tolerances

• Rabbit
• Deer
• Drought
• Dry Soil

Potential Problems

Phuopsis stylosa ‘Purpurea’ is exceptionally resilient, generally presenting no serious insect or disease problems under typical growing conditions. Its primary limitation involves climate sensitivity rather than specific pest outbreaks. Avoid planting in areas with persistently soggy soil, especially during humid summers, as this can lead to root issues. Focus on ensuring excellent drainage for optimal health.

Frequently Asked Questions

What hardiness zones is Skunk plant suitable for?

The Skunk plant, Phuopsis stylosa ‘Purpurea’, is well-suited for gardeners in USDA Hardiness Zones 5 through 8.

How large does Phuopsis stylosa ‘Purpurea’ grow?

This rapid spreader typically reaches a low height between 0.5 and 0.75 feet tall, spreading significantly wider, between 1 and 2 feet in spread.

What sun exposure does Skunk plant need?

Phuopsis stylosa ‘Purpurea’ performs well in a range from full sun to part shade, allowing for flexible placement in the landscape.

When does Phuopsis stylosa ‘Purpurea’ bloom?

This ground cover blooms reliably through the summer months, specifically from June extending into August, presenting distinctive purple flowers.

Conclusion

The Phuopsis stylosa ‘Purpurea’ offers low maintenance, drought tolerance, and a vigorous mat-forming habit, securing its place as an excellent choice for difficult garden areas. Its showy, fragrant purple blooms add unexpected color to dry or sloping landscapes. Check your local hardiness zone compatibility and plan to site this ground cover where it can spread freely for the best results.

Propagation Tips

Propagating Phuopsis stylosa ‘Purpurea’ is a practical task for the home gardener due to its robust nature. The easiest method is division, best executed in the spring as new growth emerges. Carefully separate clumps of the mat-forming perennial, ensuring each division has adequate root structure before replanting immediately.

Alternatively, softwood cuttings taken during the summer months root readily. Use well-draining media and maintain moderate moisture until roots develop. While the Skunk plant will reseed naturally, controlling population size is often preferred, but saving seeds from the terminal flower clusters provides another viable propagation source.

Companion Planting

Due to its preference for dry to medium moisture and low growth habit, Phuopsis stylosa ‘Purpurea’ pairs effectively with other sun-loving, drought-tolerant perennials that share similar cultural needs. Consider using it alongside low-growing Sedums or creeping Thymes to create a textural tapestry in rock gardens where water conservation is key. These companions will not compete aggressively for space or resources with the spreading mats of the Skunk plant.

For border fronts, use slightly taller, architectural plants like ornamental grasses or drought-resistant Salvia varieties to provide necessary vertical contrast against the low profile of the Phuopsis. Ensure any companion planting respects the Skunk plant’s preference for well-drained soil to guarantee long-term success for the entire grouping.