|
 This
genus of tuberous perennials and deciduous or evergreen shrubs from
Central and South America includes the flowershop gloxinias. The
flowers can be as much as 4 in (10 cm) across and come in the
richest shades of blue, violet, pink or red, usually with their
throats mottled in white or paler shades of the main color and their
petals edged in white or a pale color. They make spectacular pot
plants, each plant carrying as many as 20 flowers at the center of a
rosette of coarsely velvety leaves. Unfortunately they are useless
as garden plants because when rain fills the trumpets they collapse.
Plant Height approx. 30 cm
Flowering colors: Blue, Pink, Purple, Red, Violet, White
Cultivation: Species of Sinningia prefer a humid atmosphere with
bright light but not direct sun and moist, peaty soil. The leaves
die down after flowering, after which the tubers can be dried out
and stored in a frost-free area. Propagate from seed in spring or
from stem cuttings in late spring or summer. |
