©Dolezal Publishing/John M. Rickard
Family
Gesnariaceae
Botanical Name
Sinningia speciosa
Plant Common Name
Sinningia
General Description
Florist’s gloxinia is exquisite when in bloom with its large, bell-shaped white, red or violet-blue flowers. This evergreen, frost-intolerant perennial is native to southern Brazil and grows from a tuber, an enlarged underground stem. Numerous cultivars have been developed from this original species to introduce a broader range of colors, floral shapes and petal numbers. They are most commonly grown as houseplants.
This gloxinia grows as a rosette of oblong-oval leaves with velvety hairs. The underside of the leaves is reddish and the edges can be scalloped. In the warmth of late spring and summer, the center of the rosette becomes home to single or clustered bell-shaped flowers that slightly nod. They are white, violet-blue or red. In its native rainforests of Brazil, this plant would be pollinated by hummingbirds.
The florist gloxinia shade with bright light. It does not tolerate alkaline soil, cold, or excessive heat, and low humidity will cause leaves to crisp. Outdoors it is suitable only in tropical areas with cool, comfortable evenings and no hot days. Indoors, grow the florist’sgloxinia in a moist, acidic, well-drained. After it flowers, reduce watering somewhat. Place its pot atop a tray of pebbles with water to raise humidity. It is a great addition to a collection of African violets (Saintpaulia) and slipper orchids (Paphiopedilum).
Many hybrids and cultivars are now available with very showy flower shapes and colors. Ruffled petals and bicolor-edged flowers are common in florist gloxinias.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
10 - 1
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USDA Hardiness Zone
11 - 15
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Sunset Zone
H1, H2
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Plant Type
Bulb or Corm or Tuber
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Sun Exposure
Partial Shade, Full Shade
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Height
10"-12" / 25.4cm - 30.5cm
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Width
10"-12" / 25.4cm - 30.5cm
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Bloom Time
Late Spring, Early Summer, Summer
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Native To
South America, Brazil
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
White, Red, Blue Violet
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Green, Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Winter)
Dark Green
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Fragrant Flowers
No
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
Yes
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Showy Fruit
No
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
Yes
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Foliage Texture
Coarse
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Foliage Sheen
Matte
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Evergreen
Yes
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Showy Bark
No
