Sinningia speciosum (Gloxinia)
Gloxinias are surprisingly hardy and can be kept outdoors in the shade throughout the year. If you keep them watered, they will carry on flowering at frequent intervals. Do not overwater, or they may rot. They have fibrous tubers and so can die down in the summer and reappear in the autumn.
The flowers may be single or double and come in various colours, but most commonly reds or purples. The large velvety leaves probably prefer spraying in hot weather.
The flowers may be single or double and come in various colours, but most commonly reds or purples. The large velvety leaves probably prefer spraying in hot weather.