General Culture:
Easily grown in average, medium, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. Prefers deep, moist, sandy soils in full sun. Intolerant of the hot and humid summers of the deep South and needs some afternoon shade in southern locations. Remove faded flowers to prolong bloom period. May not be reliably winter hardy in the northern parts of USDA Zone 5. Mulch crowns with straw in cold winter locations. Carrot-like tap root makes division difficult.
Noteworthy Characteristics:
Hardy gloxinia is a clump-forming perennial which typically grows 18-24" tall. Features clusters of trumpet-shaped, pinkish-red, 2.5" long flowers with yellow throats (5-12 flowers per cluster). Clusters appear in summer atop sturdy, essentially leafless flower stalks which extend well above the basal, arching, fern-like, pinnately compound, medium green leaves (to 12" long).
Problems:
Slugs are frequent visitors.
Uses:
Borders and rock gardens.
© Missouri Botanical
Garden, 2001-2010
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