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Streptocarpus 'Ambiente'
  • RHS AGM

Cape primrose 'Ambiente'

A rhizomatous perennial forming a rosette of strap-shaped, finely hairy leaves. Clusters of tubular, burgundy-red flowers are produced from spring to autumn, held on slender stalks to 20cm above the foliage

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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Red Green
Summer Red Green
Autumn Red Green
Winter Green
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

East–facing or South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H1C
Botanical details
Family
Gesneriaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Tufted
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 division or leaf cuttings in spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Houseplants
  • Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning

Remove faded flower stalks

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

Get involved

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