Streptocarpus 'Bethan'

RHS Plant Profile
Cape primrose 'Bethan'
Award of Garden Merit
Conservatory Greenhouse Houseplants

A rhizomatous perennial to 25cm tall, forming a neat rosette of hairy, oblong leaves, with sprays of light violet-blue flowers, veined with purple on the lower lobes, opening in spring and summer

Position

Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Sand

Max Height

0.1-0.5 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
0.1-0.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H1C

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Gesneriaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy
Genus
Streptocarpus can be annuals, perennials or subshrubs, with usually wrinkled, lance-shaped to rounded leaves and clusters of tubular to trumpet-shaped flowers with 5 spreading lobes, often borne throughout the year
Name Status
Accepted

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow as a houseplant in free-draining compost on an east or west-facing windowsill, or grow in a temperate or warm greenhouse in bright filtered light with shade from hot sun. Water sparingly as compost dries in winter and in the growing season water freely allowing compost to dry out between waterings; feed fortnightly with a high-potassium fertiliser. See Streptocarpus cultivation

Propagation

Propagate by leaf cuttings

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Patio and container plants

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to glasshouse leafhoppers, mealybugs, thrips, vine weevil and tarsonemid mite

Diseases

May be susceptible to grey moulds (botrytis) or powdery mildews