Streptocarpus Seren (Cape Primrose)
Popular as a houseplant, Streptocarpus ‘Seren’ (Cape Primrose) is a compact, evergreen perennial with small, velvety, wrinkled, strappy leaves and large magnificent flowers produced over several months.
Popular as a houseplant, Streptocarpus 'Seren' (Cape Primrose) is a compact, evergreen perennial with small, velvety, wrinkled, strappy leaves and large magnificent flowers produced over several months. Borne on short upright stems, the delicate pale yellow blossoms are adorned with dark purple veins and lavender petal tips. Use Cape Primrose as a flowering indoor plant or in containers on a shaded deck or patio.
- Grows up to 10-12 in. tall and wide (25-30 cm)
- Performs best in bright filtered light with shade from hot sun in fertile, moist, humus-rich well-drained soil. Water freely allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. Feed fortnightly with a high-potassium fertilizer.
- Keep an eye out for glasshouse leafhoppers, mealybugs, thrips, vine weevil and tarsonemid mite. Overwatering may cause rotting at the base of the plant.
- Deadhead regularly and remove damaged leaves. Mature plants should be cut back after flowering. The plant will remain dormant for up to three months after pruning. Cut back on watering and do not fertilize during this period.
- Propagate by division of clumps or by leaf cuttings in spring or summer.
Requirements
Hardiness | 10 – 11 |
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Heat Zones | 10 – 12 |
Plant Type | Perennials |
Plant Family | Streptocarpus – Cape Primroses |
Exposure | Partial Sun, Shade |
Season of Interest | Spring (Early,Mid,Late)Summer (Early,Mid,Late)FallWinter |
Height | 10" – 1' (25cm – 30cm) |
Spread | 10" – 1' (25cm – 30cm) |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Average |
Soil Type | Loam |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Showy, Evergreen |
Garden Uses | Patio and Containers |