About
A clump-forming, rhizomatous tender perennial with a basal rosette of long, mid to dark green, veined and wrinkled leaves. Produces clusters of large, ruffled double flowers that are blue on the upper petals with lower petals showing dark purple veining from the centre to the edges, from spring to autumn.
About the genus
Streptocarpus can be annuals, perennials or subshrubs, with usually wrinkled, lance-shaped to rounded leaves and clusters of tubular to trumpet-shaped flowers with 5 spreading lobes, often borne throughout the year
Growing conditions
SunlightPartial shade
Soil typeLoam
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectWest-facing, East-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH1C
Plant details
Plant typeHouseplants, Conservatory Greenhouse
HabitClump forming
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesHouseplants, Patio and container plants
Care notes
CultivationGrow as a houseplant in free-draining compost on an east or west-facing windowsill, or grow in a temperate or warm greenhouse in bright filtered light with shade from hot sun. Water sparingly as compost dries in winter and in the growing season water freely allowing compost to dry out between waterings; feed fortnightly with a high-potassium fertiliser. See Streptocarpus cultivation
PruningRemove spent flower stems at the base, and remove damaged leaves as required
PropagationPropagate by seed, by division of clumps in spring, or by leaf cuttings in spring or summer
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to glasshouse leafhoppers, mealybugs, thrips, vine weevil and tarsonemid mite
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to grey moulds (botrytis) or powdery mildews