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Conservatory GreenhouseHerbaceous Perennial

Columnea × banksii
  • RHS AGM

goldfish plant

A trailing evergreen perennial with small, glossy, ovate leaves and long-tubed, two-lipped bright scarlet flowers 6cm in length all year

Size
Ultimate height
Up to 10cm
Time to ultimate height
5–10 years
Ultimate spread
0.5–1 metres
Growing conditions
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Red Green
Summer Red Green
Autumn Red Green
Winter Red Green
Position
  • Partial shade
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H1C
Botanical details
Family
Gesneriaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Trailing
Genus

Columnea are evergreen shrubs and sub-shrubs with trailing stems bearing fleshy, simple leaves and solitary or clustered, tubular flowers in the leaf axils from spring to autumn

Name status

Correct

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow under glass in a loam free compost in bright filtered light with protection from strong sun. Mist regularly with soft, tepid water to maintain high humidity. In the growing season water freely but carefully with soft water and apply quarter-strength, high potash liquid fertiliser at each watering. Water sparingly in winter and avoid wetting the foliage

Propagation

Propagate by root tip cuttings with bottom heat in spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Sub-tropical
  • Underplanting of roses and shrubs
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

mealybugs, aphids and cyclamen mites may cause problems

Diseases

Overwatering may encourage root and stem rots

Get involved

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