About
An erect to spreading rhizomatous perennial to 60cm tall, with dark green, velvety leaves to 20cm long. From summer to autumn it produces tubular pink flowers to 3cm long, white on the inside of the tubes and with green lobes spotted purple.
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 hardinessH1B
Plant details
Plant typeConservatory Greenhouse
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesHouseplants
Native toColombia
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