This information is provided as a free service to viewers. We do not sell these plants.
Overview
Streptcarpus or the Cape Primrose forms a rosette of oblong, hairy leaves above which rise large, showy, trumpet-shaped flowers on erect stalks.
The very showy flowers feature bright colours with a white and often speckled throat and appear throughout summer and autumn.
Many hybrids have been bred and they are the darlings of the flower show circuit and many societies and associations.
Soil: Humus rich, moist but well drained soils are best in a bright location - though it is best to avoid scorching afternoon sun and some shade is very well tolerated.
An African Violet mix will do quite well .e.g drains very well with plenty of air pockets.
Maintenance: They are best watered from beneath, e.g. in self-watering pots or pots standing in saucers.
Remove spent flower stems and leaves.
Use a liquid fertiliser at 3 weekly intervals through spring and summer, just a few drops in the water saucer provides steady access to food.
Re-pot every 6-9 months, mainly so the plant can get access to new nutrients form new soil. Don't tease the roots out as they actually like being pot-bound.
Diseases: Greenfly and mealybugs can occasionally be a bother.
Other Species: There are 155 recognised species of Streptocarpus, with the first that was sent to Kew Gardens from South Africa being Streptocarpus rexii.
Hybrids that have been awarded the RHS Award of Garden Merit include:-
'Albatross' - pure white
'Bethan' - multitudes of lilac/purple flower
'Blue Heaven' - mid-blue to pale purple flowers
'Chorus Line' - white veined with violet, double
'Crystal Ice' - white veined with violet-blue
'Cynthia' - magenta
'Falling Stars' pale blue
'Gloria' - pale pink
'Heidi' - pale blue and deep purple
'Jennifer' - pale violet-blue with dark veins
'Kim' - deep violet/blue, striped white throat
'Laura' - pale pink with maroon veining
'Ruby' - crimson/red flowers
'Susan' - deep red flowers with yellow centres
'Snow White - white, yellow throat
'Stella' - pink with deeper veining
'Tina' - pink lower lobes deeper pink
Author: Bob Saunders.