Sinningia tubiflora

[brianw]

I seem to have a few too many of these at present if anyone is interested. Seem to need a long growing season for me to flower, starting early frost free, but you may know better. Something in exchange or postage would be appreciated but not essential; need not be a yellow snowdrop, but I would not say no. Off forum replies please.

[Maggi Young]

Brian.... what an unusual plant to have a surplus of!

I thought I remembered seeing something about a success story with it.. and I found it... on Matt Matthus' blog :
http://www.growingwithplants.com/2010/07/hardy-gloxinia-sinningia-tubiflora.html

[brianw]

As usual your "filing system" to the rescue. I remember this blog now too. For me the first year it got all leggy and no flowers, the next shorter leaf growth and leggy flower stems, but after disturbing it so who knows? If he saw the mass of tubers he must have disturbed his too I guess. It is a prolific grower.

[Rogan]

A striking plant indeed; I also enjoy S. conspicua - a large hairy plant (if given the space) with pendant foxglove-like flowers of primrose yellow. It also has a strong fragrance most prevalent in the early evening.

[Ezeiza]

It is a great species for warm climates. It is a native of my country, Argentina, where it grows in open pastures in the subtropical region. The problem is that the trade to increase sales has given the false impression that this plant tolerates cold conditions. It is a large plant (you need big pots or tubs for it to have enough root run), it likes it warm and its native soil is well drained. It will survive and linger on in chilly weather but in nature it is a native of the citrus belt region.

It offsets well but the frantic habit of filling the container with small tubers that would never flower seems more an indication that the plant is stressed than of comfort.