Overview

Achimenes 'Purple King' is a bushy houseplants in the genus Achimenes, part of the Gesneriaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Achimenes 'Purple King' 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 'Purple King' is a bushy cultivar of the Achimenes genus, which comprises perennial plants with rhizomes and long, trailing stems. This deciduous houseplant thrives in well-drained loam soil with moist conditions and prefers full sun or partial shade, ideally in a sheltered, east-, south-, or west-facing aspect. It is suited for growing in conservatories, greenhouses, patios, or containers. Propagation is achieved through division of rhizomes or stem tip cuttings in spring, the season when this cultivar is particularly notable.

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 'Purple King' 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 'Purple King'

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