Hardy Red Gesneriad

Sinningia sellovii is a remarkable tuberous perennial from South America that is surprisingly successful in sheltered UK gardens. It forms a sturdy, upright clump of attractive, velvety, olive-green leaves with visible veining. From midsummer into autumn, it produces tall, slightly arching flower spikes adorned with numerous pendulous, tubular flowers in a dusky reddish-orange or soft coral hue. These flowers are highly attractive to bees and other pollinators. Reaching a height of around 60-90cm, it adds a touch of exotic flair to the herbaceous border. While many Sinningias are strictly houseplants, S. sellovii is reasonably hardy (H4) if planted in a very well-drained, sunny position and provided with a thick dry mulch over its dormant tuber in winter to protect it from excessive wet and freezing temperatures. It requires gritty, free-draining soil and thrives in full sun. Its unique texture and unusual floral structure make it a conversation piece for the adventurous gardener.

Sun: Full sun.

Soil: Gritty, very well-drained soil.

Hardiness: H4 — down to −10°C.

Flowering: Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct.