Gloriosa Carsonii

Description

This very rare, beautiful, slender, tuberous climber opens exquisite, exotic flowers, which are chocolate purple edged in lemon yellow, solitary, on long pedicels in leaf axils and usually angled downward with swept-back petals. It is happy either in containers or in warm soil, and is guaranteed to provoke a good amount of attention. It does needs support for the leaf tendrils to cling to and the planting medium should be freely draining, although these gems are tolerant of nutritionally poor soils. When trained into a compact form, it produces a magnificent display and is an exceptional conservatory plant!

Sowing Advice

Sow seeds, covering them thinly, preferably in spring but can be at any time, in good light, at between 15 and 20 degrees C. Prick out small seedlings into 3 inch/8cm pots containing a John Innes, loam-based compost. Grow on before planting into a large container or sheltered spot outdoors, with climbing support, and be sure to protect them from freezing in winter.

Key Facts