Gloxinia speciosa Kaiser Friedrich

Gloxinia 'Kaiser Friedrich' is a beautiful variety with intense red bell-shaped velvety flowers finely edged with white. The flowers cluster on velvety, dark green foliage, for a good part of the summer. This striking tuberous perennial is easy to grow. It is spectacular in the house or on a windowsill, in partial shade and protected from direct sunlight.

Gloxinia speciosa, also known as Sinningia speciosa, belongs to the Gesneriaceae family and is native to Brazil. Since the 19th century, this tuberous and frost-sensitive perennial plant has given rise to numerous cultivars that have become exceptional indoor plants. The 'Kaiser Friedrich' cultivar produces plants that do not exceed 30 to 35cm (12 to 14in) in all directions. The flowers, resembling large velvety bells, appear during spring and bloom throughout summer. They appear in the axils of the leaves, carried by short peduncles. They can reach 8cm (3in) in diameter. The flowers are an intense blood-red colour, finely marginated with white, blooming around a very dark, speckled throat. These flowers open on a bouquet of dark green, wide, fleshy and velvety leaves. Their veins are visible and their margins are crenate. Oval to oblong in shape, they dry up in autumn and disappear with the arrival of cool temperatures. Only the round and flattened tubers persist in the soil, which must be kept dry until the start of vegetation in spring.

Gloxinias are stunning indoor plants. They are sturdy and easy to overwinter in a dry environment. Few plants can claim such a theatrical appearance, and it is sometimes difficult, if not impossible, to place them with other plants. They are stunning in flower boxes and on windowsills, protected from direct sunlight. They are perfect for replacing geraniums where there is a lack of sunlight.