The Cape Primrose – Streptocarpus
The Streptocarpus, is more commonly known as the Cape Primrose and is (rather surprisingly) a relative of the African Voilet (Saintpaulia). This fast growing herbaceous perennial, native of South Africa, offers plenty of interest for much of the year. The orchid-like flowers of the Streptocarpus are available in a wide rainbow of colours. Varieties can be collected in pink, blue, red, purple and white.
I have found this plant to be generally trouble-free and easy to propagate from division, or even leaf cuttings. If you keep your Cape Primrose well fed (high potash feed), re-pot from time to time and remove any dead leaves and flower heads, it may flower for much of the year.
Warning: Growing Streptocarpus can become a bit of an obsession. You will want every flower shape and shade on the market!
Streptocarpus – Windowsill Magic
Striking mixture of purples, blues and pink veined throats. These new Cape Primrose F1 hybrids have been specially selected for their exotic long-lasting flowers in summer and early autumn. They are excellent subjects for a warm position indoors or for greenhouse or conservatory. When mature, the plants prefer neglect to coddling. Flowers four months from sowing. Sow in late winter or early spring in heated greenhouse.
Streptocarpus – Dibley’s Dragon
A spectacular mixture. Dragon Mixed is a high quality uniform mixture in a wide range of exciting and unique colours and patterns. Bred by Streptocarpus specialist and RHS Gold medal winners Dibley’s Nurseries. Sowing time: February to May. An ideal plant for any conservatory.