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 cultivar within the genus Streptocarpus, which comprises annuals, perennials, and subshrubs known for their wrinkled, lanceolate or rounded leaves and clusters of tubular to trumpet-like flowers with five spreading lobes. This deciduous plant thrives in full sun or partial shade and prefers sheltered positions with moist but well-drained loam or sandy soils of varying pH. Suitable for houseplants or greenhouse cultivation, it requires bright indirect light and consistent moisture without waterlogging, flourishing in temperatures between 15-25°C. It is of interest during spring, summer, and autumn and can be propagated by leaf cuttings, seed, or division.
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.
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
- Streptocarpus 'Black Panther'
- Streptocarpus 'Aca's Red Ember' (AV/v)
- Streptocarpus 'Aly's Rosy Baby' (AV)African violet 'Alys Rosy Baby'
- Streptocarpus 'Amanda Rose'
- Streptocarpus 'Athena'
- Streptocarpus 'Beryl'
- Streptocarpus 'Blackie Bryant' (AV)
- Streptocarpus 'Blue Angel'