Streptocarpus saxorum Purple

Often grown as an annual in our climate, Streptocarpus saxorum Purple, also known as the False African Violet, is a lovely and floriferous little plant. It is a frost-tender perennial that forms rosettes of leaves similar to those of primroses and produces delicate flowers shaped like deep blue-purple trumpets. With the right growing conditions, this plant can flower almost all year round, even indoors. It requires a fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-draining soil, and a semi-shaded exposure.

Streptocarpus hybrids are plants of the gesneriad family often derived from Streptocarpus rexii, a non-hardy South African perennial. In nature, this species grows on shaded slopes or rocky cliffs, in humus-filled and cool crevices. The 'Purple' variety, quite rare in cultivation, produces rosettes of large, entire, velvety and undulate leaves measuring 20 to 30 cm (8 to 12in) in length and 4 to 6 cm (2in) in width, in a medium green shade. The rosettes reach a height of 25 to 35 cm (10 to 14in) and a width of 30 cm (12in). The flowering is almost continuous in a mature plant grown under optimal conditions, provided that faded flowers are regularly removed. The flowers, with 5 petals and relatively large compared to the size of the plant, are arranged in very loose clusters. They have tubular and flared trumpet shapes, delicately and vividly coloured, almost as refined as orchids. They are a dark blue-purple, illuminated by a small white throat finely striated and veined with dark violet, in harmony with the corolla. The foliage, theoretically evergreen, is quite fleshy, slightly velvety and corrugated.

Streptocarpus Purple is a very beautiful indoor plant that can provide a permanent and stunning decoration. Streptocarpus plants thrive in cool environments and semi-shade. In planters or hanging baskets, these plants are beautiful for a large part of the year and enjoy spending the summer on the terrace, in the shade. They can be paired with gloxinias, but Streptocarpus is usually grown on its own because it is a plant that stands out and must be admired up close for the incredible delicacy of its flowers.

Note: Please be aware that our plug plants are professional products intended for experienced gardeners: upon receipt, repot and store them in a sheltered place (veranda, greenhouse, cold frame...) at a temperature above 14°C (57.2°F) for a few weeks before planting them outdoors once the risk of frost has definitively passed.