About
In summer it produces tubular red flowers, heavily dotted around the flared petal lobes. An erect, compact, rhizomatous perennial to 30cm tall, with velvety, dark green leaves. All parts of the plant are covered with fine, white hairs.
About the genus
Kohleria are erect rhizomatous perennials with simple, toothed leaves sometimes with silvery markings, and solitary or clustered tubular or bell-shaped flowers with 5 spreading rounded lobes
Growing conditions
SunlightPartial shade
Soil typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH1C
Plant details
Plant typeHouseplants
HabitTufted
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesHouseplants
Care notes
CultivationStart the rhizomes into growth at 21°C in early spring. Grow in houseplant compost in bright, filtered light with high humidity. Using soft water, water moderately at first, then freely when in full growth. When flower buds appear, apply a high-potash fertiliser every 2 weeks. In autumn, remove dying top growth and keep almost completely dry. See houseplant cultivation for further details
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by division in early spring
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to rhizome rots if overwatered