Iochroma

Did you know

• Iochroma belongs to the nightshade family and is related to tomatoes, potatoes, and the deadly belladonna — many parts are toxic if ingested.
• The pendant tubular flowers hang in clusters like deep-violet bells and are irresistible to hummingbirds navigating Andean cloud forests.
• The genus name derives from Greek ion (violet) and chroma (color), a direct reference to its signature purple-blue flowers.
• Species occur naturally in Andean highlands from 5,000 to 10,000 feet, where they form dense shrubs along forest edges and stream banks.
• In mild climates like coastal California and the Mediterranean, iochroma can bloom nearly year-round with little care.

Color meanings

Uses

• ornamental shrub
• hummingbird garden