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Overview

Streptocarpus 'Bristol's Black Bird' is a clump forming conservatory greenhouse in the genus Streptocarpus, part of the Gesneriaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Streptocarpus 'Bristol's Black Bird' grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates loam and sand soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H1c. Suggested uses include houseplants and conservatory and greenhouse.

About

Streptocarpus 'Bristol's Black Bird' is a clump-forming Streptocarpus grown for its summer-to-autumn display. It is a deciduous greenhouse and houseplant suited to sheltered, bright positions. Plants prefer a loam or sandy, moist but well-drained medium and will tolerate a wide soil pH. Flowers appear from June to October.

About the genus

Streptocarpus is an Afrotropical genus of flowering plants in the family Gesneriaceae. The genus is native to Afromontane biotopes from central, eastern and southern Africa, including Madagascar and the Comoro Islands. The flowers are five-petalled, salverform tubes, almost orchid-like in appearance, and hover or arch over the plant, while the pointed, elongate fruit is of a helical form similar to that of the "tusk" of a narwhal.

Wikipedia contributors, "Streptocarpus", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Streptocarpus

In the garden

Streptocarpus 'Bristol's Black Bird' belongs to the Gesneriaceae and sits within a genus native to Afromontane regions of Africa, Madagascar and nearby islands; those wild relatives typically produce five-petalled, tubular blooms that arch or hover above the foliage. As a cultivar it keeps the compact, clump-forming habit that suits pot culture in temperate homes and conservatories. The foliage is deciduous and the plant performs best in a sheltered bright spot rather than exposed conditions. Place Streptocarpus 'Bristol's Black Bird' where it receives strong light without prolonged harsh sun: south-, east- or west-facing aspects are appropriate and partial shade is acceptable. Use a loam- or sand-based compost that remains moist but drains freely; the cultivar tolerates acid, neutral and alkaline media. Its UK hardiness is H1c, meaning it is tender and must be kept frost-free in winter, typically in a conservatory, greenhouse or indoors as a houseplant. This cultivar suits conservatory benches, bright windowsills and greenhouse staging where sheltered conditions can be maintained. Expect flowering from June to October, and allow the clump to establish in its pot before judging its flowering potential for the season.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Streptocarpus

Sunlight
Full sun, Partial shade
Soil type
Loam, Sand
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture
Moist but well-drained
Aspect
South-facing, East-facing, West-facing
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness
H1c

Plant details

Streptocarpus 'Bristol's Black Bird' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type
Conservatory Greenhouse, Houseplants
Habit
Clump forming
Foliage
Deciduous
Suggested uses
Houseplants, Conservatory and greenhouse

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Streptocarpus 'Bristol's Black Bird'

Propagation
Leaf cuttings, Seed, Division
Pest resistance
Aphids, Glasshouse leafhopper, Mealybug, Tarsonemid mites
Disease resistance
Botrytis, Powdery mildew

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to plant Streptocarpus 'Bristol's Black Bird'?

Streptocarpus 'Bristol's Black Bird' prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Streptocarpus 'Bristol's Black Bird' need?

Streptocarpus 'Bristol's Black Bird' grows best in loam and sand soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.

Is Streptocarpus 'Bristol's Black Bird' hardy in the UK?

Streptocarpus 'Bristol's Black Bird' 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 Streptocarpus 'Bristol's Black Bird'?

Leaf cuttings, Seed, Division.

More in the Streptocarpus genus

Browse all Streptocarpus →
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