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Achimenes 'Sauline' by Ron

            This comment about Achimenes deserves to be seen.

 

TwoBearFebruary 8, 2023 at 12:41 PM

I tried growing Achimenes back in the 80s under lights with my African violets and other gesneriads. I was moderately successful, but I'm looking forward to trying them outdoors this summer. I think that once I get them established they will be perfect hanging basket plants for my shady front porch and rear deck area.

            TwoBear has described what is the distinctively different feature of Achimenes.  They can be a houseplant in early Spring, then put out on the shady patio/porch/balcony.

 

            The ideal use of Achimenes is outside with morning sun and afternoon shade.  In full shade, they may flower less.  In full sun, the leaves will burn, and the plants may wilt.

 

            One thing that has changed since he grew them 40 years ago is the varieties are better.  Intensive hybridizing by Serge Saliba in Romania has produced strong varieties with bright colors.  We have miniature varieties that flower short for small pots  Upright types fill out hanging baskets and trail down once the heavy flowers cover the plant.

 

            Heat tolerance is a breakthrough and a necessary trait for acceptable commercial production.  Many named hybrids have been identified as very heat tolerant.  With average temperatures moving up, varieties like ‘Blue Swan’ will be needed.

 

            If Achimenes can be known as the houseplant for the shady outdoors, every gardener will want one.