Overview
Achimenes 'Lena Vera' is a bushy houseplants in the genus Achimenes, part of the Gesneriaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Achimenes 'Lena Vera' grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates loam soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H1c. Suggested uses include patio and container plants, sub-tropical and conservatory and greenhouse.
About
Achimenes 'Lena Vera' is a bushy cultivar of the Achimenes genus, known as hot water plants, which are perennial with rhizomes and long trailing stems. This deciduous plant produces salver-shaped flowers during the summer and autumn, emerging from the leaf axils. It thrives in full sun or partial shade, preferring sheltered, east, south, or west-facing aspects with moist but well-drained loam soil of any pH. Hardy to H1c, it is suitable for patios, containers, conservatories, and greenhouses, and is propagated by division of rhizomes or stem tip cuttings in spring.
About the genus
Achimenes is a genus of about 25 species of tropical and subtropical rhizomatous perennial herbs in the flowering plant family Gesneriaceae. They have a multitude of common names such as magic flowers, widow's tears, Cupid's bower, or hot water plant.
Wikipedia contributors, "Achimenes", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Achimenes
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Achimenes
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Loam
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H1c
Plant details
Achimenes 'Lena Vera' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Houseplants, Conservatory Greenhouse
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Patio and container plants, Sub-tropical, Conservatory and greenhouse
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Achimenes 'Lena Vera'
- Propagation
- Division of rhizomes in spring, Stem tip cuttings in spring
- Pest resistance
- Aphids, Glasshouse red spider mite, Thrips
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Achimenes 'Lena Vera'?
Achimenes 'Lena Vera' prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Achimenes 'Lena Vera' need?
Achimenes 'Lena Vera' grows best in loam soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Achimenes 'Lena Vera' hardy in the UK?
Achimenes 'Lena Vera' has an RHS hardiness rating of H1c, meaning it needs a warm, frost-free position of 5–10°C and is best grown under glass in the UK.
How do I propagate Achimenes 'Lena Vera'?
Division of rhizomes in spring, Stem tip cuttings in spring.