Microchirita lavandulacea

RHS Plant Profile

lavender microchirita

RHS 1999

Other common names

lavender chirita

Synonyms

Chirita lavandulacea

Conservatory Greenhouse Houseplants

An erect annual with hairy elliptic leaves to 20cm in length, and white-throated, tubular funnel-shaped, light violet-blue flowers 3cm across in summer and autumn

Position

Partial shade

Soil Types

Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.5-1 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity: 1–2 years
Max Spread: 0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height: 0.5-1 metres

Growing Conditions

Loam Sand

Moisture: Well–drained
pH: Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Partial shade

Aspect: South–facing or East–facing
Exposure: Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20): 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: Microchirita are a genus of annual plants native to India and the Himalayas. Most cultivars have yellow flowers and foliage that is either plain green or marked with red. Many species have an unusual crest-like flower head emerging from the leaf, with flowers opening in sequence.
Name Status: Correct
Plant Range: Asia

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in well-drained, humus-rich, gritty soil in partial shade.

Propagation

Propagate by seed sown under glass at a temperature of 19-24°C in late winter to spring. Plant out when danger of frost is over

Suggested planting locations and garden types

Patio and container plants
Sub-tropical

Pruning

Pruning group 10; deadhead after flowering. Trimming in late summer prevents plants from becoming straggly, but you can leave plants for a season to benefit wildlife with seeds or as shelter if you prefer. Avoid pruning in autumn in wet or cold regions as this may leave plants vulnerable to winter damage. Avoid cutting back into old wood

Pests

May be susceptible to rosemary beetle and cuckoo spit (froghoppers)

Diseases

May be susceptible to stem rot in damp conditions