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I have been wanting to try Achimenes again for a few years now, and an opportunity has presented itself. It is one of the
gesneriads that might well tolerate some cold by retreating to underground rhizomes for the winter. I planted this one out in the
Agave house, where it gave a fine show through the summer. It survived the winter but was so slow into growth that it hasn't really performed. I'm sure that I could grow Achimenes without problem but they would have to be started in heat early in the year and I haven't yet found a way to do that. The Gesneriad Reference Web says: "'Red Elfe' is an older hybrid from Konrad Michelssen in Germany. It has been widely circulated under the name A. ‘Red Elf’, but properly requires the terminal “e”. This hybrid is an easy grower that puts on a very nice display. The dark foliage and bright flowers make for an engaging combination. The plant is relatively compact and upright with sturdy stems. It usually maintains that stature through much of the growing season. Late in the year, when the stems are longer, they can flop over." |
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| 4th October 2014 | ||
